Breaking news on severe weather in Puglia and the South: orange alert, schools closed in many municipalities.

Bad weather hits again Southern ItalyThe Civil Protection Department has issued an orange alert for hydrogeological risk and thunderstorms for large areas of Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria today. Forecasts call for heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and possible coastal storm surges, with worsening conditions expected especially during the central hours of the day.

Some municipalities have closed schools

In several municipalities the lockdown has started closure of schools of all levelsThe ordinances concern in particular the province of Taranto and some areas of the Bari province, where the risk of flooding and landslides remains high. Schools have also been suspended in numerous towns in Basilicata and Ionian Calabria. Local governments have also ordered, in some cases, the closure of parks, cemeteries, and sports facilities. According to meteorologists, the approaching weather system is being fueled by a low-pressure system rising from the western Mediterranean, which is channeling unstable and humid air toward the southern regions. The most intense phenomena are expected along the Ionian coast, but the instability could also extend to inland areas.

La Civil protection urges maximum caution: limit unnecessary travel, avoid underpasses and areas prone to flooding, and be alert for falling trees or temporary structures due to wind. Local waterway monitoring units have been activated.

Schools closed

Here is a list of municipalities that have decided to keep schools closed today.

Basilicata:

• Montalbano Ionico;
• Pisticci;
• Policoro;
• Scanzano Jonico;
• Tursi.

Calabria:

• Acres;
• Crosia;
• Longobucco;
• Saint Cosmo Albanese;
• Catanzaro (closure due to serious damage to the aqueduct);
• San Giovanni Fiore (closure due to damage to the aqueduct, not related to bad weather).

Puglia:

• Taranto (the campuses involved in the competitive exams will remain open exclusively to allow the procedures to be carried out, ensuring safe entry and the absence of students or activities unrelated to the selection process. All other teaching activities are suspended);
• Crispian;
• Leporano.

Further updates are expected in the next few hours, when the possible extension of the emergency measures will be evaluated.