Fallen Tree in Rome Highlights Italy Weather Risks

According to the reports on Tuesday (24 December), a 45-year-old woman tragically lost her life, and another was hospitalized after a tree fell amid strong winds in Rome, Italy. The incident occurred near a children’s playground in an eastern park, prompting an involuntary manslaughter investigation by Rome’s prosecution office. Meanwhile, in Ancona, central Italy, 100 km/h winds caused a tree to collapse onto three empty buses, highlighting the severity of the weather.

Eight regions in Italy remain under yellow alerts for potential disruptions due to extreme weather, as per the national Civil Protection warning system. These warnings focus on hydrogeological and wind risks in areas like Abruzzo, Calabria, and Sicily. In Lombardy, an orange alert was issued for Milan, anticipating strong gales and possible flooding from Monday (23 December) to Tuesday (24 December).

The Marche region faces heightened risks with predictions of north winds reaching 76-87 km/h, raising concerns about coastal flooding from localized waves. Authorities have extended yellow alerts to other regions, particularly those affected by past floods in the Secchia and Reno rivers. Ferry services to the Tremiti Islands have also been suspended due to rough seas, reflecting the widespread impact.

Severe weather has led to sharp drops in temperatures and heavy rainfall, particularly affecting central Molise. The Italian Department of Civil Protection is coordinating efforts to mitigate risks while warning residents to prepare for potential flooding and disruptions. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather across the country.

References

• Fallen Tree Claims Life in Rome as Italy Battles Severe Weather