The Department of Civil Protection has issued a new warning of adverse weather conditions for the Sicily region. The meteorological surveillance map shows a picture of widespread instability which will affect a large part of the regional territory, with particular attention to the north-eastern sectors.
A yellow alert status has been issued due to meteorological, hydrogeological and hydraulic risk. However, in the north-eastern sector of the island, on the Tyrrhenian side and in the Aeolian islands, an orange alert is expected.
The forecast indicates the probability of locally intense showers and thunderstorms. The bulletin warns of the possibility of thunderstorm precipitation and strong gusts of wind.
Messina, precautionary measures due to the weather warning
The Municipal Operations Center has been activated
In Messina, villas and municipal cemeteries have been closed for today and all outdoor events have been suspended. The provision is contained in an ordinance issued in the last few hours for safety and prevention reasons.
Furthermore, the Municipality of Messina has arranged for the activation of the Municipal Operations Center (COC) for today, starting from 8.00 am. The provision is contained in Ordinance no. 29 of 11 February, issued to guarantee the constant monitoring and coordination of the activities necessary to deal with any emergencies related to bad weather. The Municipal Operations Center will have the task of coordinating the rescue, information and assistance services to the population, in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Civil Protection Plan. Citizens are invited to follow official updates, pay attention to the instructions of the competent authorities and limit unnecessary travel during the most critical hours. Updated information will be disseminated through the institutional channels of the Municipality of Messina and the Civil Protection.
Schools closed in various municipalities in the Messina area
Following the orange weather alert for meteorological-hydrogeological and hydraulic risk in the Tyrrhenian sectors of the province of Messina, several Municipalities have adopted urgent measures to protect public safety.
For today, Wednesday 12 February, the ordinances issued provide for the closure of schools of all levels in the territories of Milazzo, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Furnari, Terme Vigliatore, Rometta, Valdina, Torregrotta, San Filippo del Mela and Monforte San Giorgio.
The measures adopted also include, in various centres, the closure of municipal cemeteries and a ban on access to villas, parks and public gardens, in order to reduce the risks associated with the expected bad weather conditions.
Local administrations invite citizens to limit travel to what is strictly necessary and to adopt behaviors marked by the utmost prudence until the weather conditions improve.
Schools closed in Palermo
The mayor of Palermo, Roberto Lagalla, has signed an ordinance ordering the closure of city schools of all levels for today, villas, gardens, outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds and cemeteries. The decision was taken as a precaution, despite the yellow alert level issued by the Civil Protection. The weather reports, in fact, predict strong gusts of wind that could exceed 95 kilometers per hour.
“Even in the presence of a yellow alert – says the mayor – the forecast data indicate weather conditions characterized by very intense gusts of wind. In such a situation we believe it is our duty not to take any risks, reduce travel and protect the safety of students, school staff and families. The choice is dictated exclusively by criteria of prudence and prevention”.