Mistral storm on the island: gusts up to 130 km/h and storms
Parks closed and first damage in the Cagliari area, ships diverted or stopped in port, alarm also in the Nuoro area, in Asinara and along the Gallura coastsMaximum alert for strong winds in Sardinia .
Since this morning , very violent gusts have been hitting the island from north to south. The fault lies with the polar cyclone that touches the borders of the Alps, bringing snowstorms and violent Foehn gusts to Italy.
Gusts of up to 130 km/h were recorded during the night in Monte Lusei , in the Nuoro area , but the wind blew above 100 km/h also in the Cagliari area with the municipalities of San Gavino, Silius, Escalaplano, Villacidro and Capoterra among the most affected , where the gusts have reached maximum strength since the morning, where a real Mistral storm is underway .
The phenomenon, experts explain, is destined to intensify in the afternoon and evening hours , and storm surges are also expected tomorrow on the most exposed coasts with waves that could reach up to 6 meters in height.
A warning of adverse weather conditions has been issued on the island and will be in force until 10am tomorrow morning, Saturday 23 December : the areas to pay the most attention to, in addition to Cagliari and Sulcis, are Asinara, the coasts of Gallura, the Gulf of Orosei .
A Grimaldi cargo ship bound for Porto Torres remained stranded in Genoa , while the Moby ferry which left Civitavecchia for Porto Torres was diverted to Olbia . Delays expected for all ferries to the island.
In Cagliari the parks will remain closed due to strong winds "until the emergency ceases" , explain the local authorities. The Park of the former Pirri glassworks and the Garden under the walls remain open, «under constant monitoring». The Municipal Art Gallery in the capital is also closed as a precaution.
(Unioneonline/vl)
