Orange weather alert in Sicily: schools closed in several municipalities

Sicily is preparing for a new wave of bad weather with widespread precipitation forecast until this evening, Thursday, May 15. The Department of Civil Protection has issued an orange weather alert , reporting adverse weather conditions that have led to school closures. The population is urged to pay attention and follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure safety.

Sicily, orange weather alert: changes to rail traffic

Adverse weather conditions are expected today in Sicily, with moderate to heavy rainfall , including showers and thunderstorms of strong intensity. According to the regional Civil Protection, the phenomena will be accompanied by frequent electrical activity , strong gusts of wind and possible localized hailstorms.

Rail traffic will undergo changes: Trenitalia has announced that some routes will be temporarily suspended for safety reasons. In particular, the Lercara Diramazione–Caltanissetta Xirbi, Catania–Caltagirone and Caltanissetta–Modica lines will remain closed. In addition, the first morning trains will be cancelled along the Marsala–Piraineto, Aragona–Canicattì and Siracusa–Modica routes.

The orange weather alert was triggered today, Thursday 15 May, in Sicily. The forecasts announce heavy rains, especially in the eastern part of the island, causing concern among many mayors. The last alert of the same level dates back to 1 April. The warning, issued by the Regional Department of Civil Protection, directed by Salvo Cocina, has prompted many administrations to adopt preventive measures.

In Catania , Mayor Enrico Trantino has ordered the suspension of school activities in all schools for today, the closure of cemeteries, municipal parks and the Bellini Garden. Several municipalities in the Catania area have joined this decision, including Aci Sant'Antonio, Aci Catena, Aci Castello, Caltagirone, Camporotondo Etneo, Motta Sant'Anastasia, Misterbianco, Palagonia, Paternò, Riposto, Giarre, Ramacca, San Giovanni la Punta, San Gregorio di Catania, San Pietro Clarenza and Valverde.

The mayor of Syracuse , Francesco Italia, also issued an ordinance for the closure of schools. Similar measures were adopted in Augusta, Avola, Buccheri, Lentini, Noto, Pachino, Priolo, Portopalo di Capo Passero and Rosolini.

In Ragusa , the suspension of lessons concerns Comiso, Modica, Vittoria, Giarratana and Chiaramonte Gulfi. In Messina, schools remain closed in Alì, Furci Siculo, Limina, Sant'Alessio and Letojanni.

Central Sicily is also preparing for bad weather: schools closed in Gela, Piazza Armerina and Aidone (province of Enna), as well as in eleven municipalities in the Agrigento area, including Bivona, Cammarata, Canicattì, Favara, Licata, Menfi, Montallegro, Palma di Montechiaro, Porto Empedocle, Ribera and Sciacca.