The sea in the Gulf of Angels—swollen by Cyclone Harry as it lashes the island—is entering the urban area of Cagliari.

On Tuesday morning, the storm surge flooded the entire Poetto beach, reaching the pedestrian area and the bike path. Access to the residential neighborhood is closed. The four-lane highway remains open.

The local police and civil protection agencies are working to manage the situation.

"The red alert remains in effect throughout today, January 20," Mayor Massimo Zedda wrote on Facebook . He added: "The bad weather is causing problems in the city, including the risk of falling branches and trees due to strong winds, and several floods. For this reason, we have just ordered the closure to traffic in the Poetto neighborhood of the Poetto seafront, the road parallel to Lungo Saline, Via Stromboli, and Via dell'Idrovora. In Sant'Elia, the Cuore parking lot and Via Amerigo Vespucci are also temporarily closed."

I thank the Civil Protection Department, all the municipal services and the local police, who are on the ground and have responded quickly to the emergencies of these hours."

"I again urge the public," Zedda concludes, "to adopt preventative measures and limit travel to a minimum. Also, follow the official channels of the administrations, which are providing timely and updated communications."

SEVERE WEATHER: ALL THE UPDATES

Enrico Fresu

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