A weather warning has been issued for Sardinia until Wednesday.

The Director General of the Regional Civil Protection Department, Mauro Merella , in agreement with the Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection , Rosanna Laconi , has called an informational meeting via videoconference to share the updated picture of the available information on the meteorological phenomena expected in the next few hours in order to activate all necessary measures to reduce potential risks for the population.

All the mayors of the municipalities of Sardinia were also invited to participate in the meeting, in order to ensure the maximum dissemination and sharing of the information currently available.

During the meeting, the Meteorological Sector of the ARPAS Meteorological and Climatic Department illustrated the scenario expected on the island, namely:

• rain and thunderstorms starting from 6pm on Sunday and until 6pm on Wednesday 21 January;

• wind and rough seas starting from 9am on Monday 19 January and until 3pm on Wednesday 21 January.

The main critical issues related to rain and thunderstorms are expected above all in southern and eastern Sardinia.

Regarding wind and storm surges, the greatest critical issues are reported in Sulcis, southern Campidano, along the entire eastern coast, in the Strait of Bonifacio and in Nurra, with a significant rise in sea levels along the coasts of the Gulf of Cagliari, the entire eastern side and along the coasts of the Gulf of Asinara.

The potential flooding is aggravated by astronomical phenomena, with further sea level rises expected at 9 am and 6 pm.

Regarding critical issues related to rain and thunderstorms, we are awaiting the forecast and the new Bulletin, which will be issued on Sunday by 2:00 PM. This Bulletin will take the form of a Critical Warning with a color code indicating possible hydrogeological, hydraulic, and hydrogeological risks due to thunderstorms.

ANCI Sardegna President Daniela Falconi and the Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Cagliari Massimo Zedda expressed their concern and asked for a new meeting to be convened for early Sunday afternoon , in order to have updates and the necessary time to adopt any ordinances and prepare all measures to ensure the safety of citizens.

After numerous interventions by various organizations, including the Fire Brigade, Enel Distribuzione, Anas, Areus, ENAS, and the Civil Engineering Departments of Cagliari and Sassari, it was agreed to strengthen the operations of all available personnel.

During the meeting it was also decided to:

activate monitoring of the SP 195 and the stretches of coastal roads affected by the storm surges with Anas personnel supported by Civil Protection Volunteers, in order to evaluate their closure based on the evolution of the situation, guaranteeing any alternative routes ;

• monitor the fords and river mouths that have been cleaned in recent days to improve the flow to the sea;

• relocate the electricity generators and power stations of the electricity grid operator mainly in the eastern part of the island, so as to be close to the critical areas in the event of a blackout;

monitor hydraulic infrastructure;

• secure all construction sites located in the areas affected by the phenomenon;

• clear away removable structures along beaches and coasts.

The population is invited to avoid travel unless strictly necessary during the phenomena expected in the next few hours and to:

• do not frequent particularly exposed areas such as beaches, piers and jetties;

• pay particular attention on viaducts and at tunnel exits;

• moderate your driving speed, especially in the case of large or tarpaulin vehicles;

• secure animals and objects such as gazebos, vases, antennas and all mobile or precarious structures.

(Unioneonline)

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