Severe weather in Calabria, Sardinia, and Sicily

A severe wave of adverse weather affected the regions of Calabria, Sardinia, and Sicily beginning in the early hours of January 18, 2026, as forecast by official weather warnings. The National Civil Protection Service closely monitored the evolving situation and implemented all necessary preventive measures and response actions to address critical issues throughout the affected area.

The Central Functional Center of the Civil Protection Department provided data from meteorological satellites, the national radar network, and the network of weather stations, ensuring integrated monitoring of the phenomena and their evolution, alongside the decentralized functional centers. Information provided by local authorities also played a crucial role.

According to data provided by the Central Functional Center, weather stations have recorded the following since the event began on January 18:

Heavy rainfall. Values exceeding 500 mm were recorded in all three affected regions. In particular, in Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia, a maximum peak of 569.9 mm was recorded in 72 hours in the municipality of San Sostene; in Sardinia, in the province of Ogliastra, in Gairo, at the Gairo - Genna Tuvara station, a peak of 556.2 mm was reached in about 80 hours; in Sicily, in the province of Messina, in the municipality of Fondachelli-Fantina, the maximum threshold recorded was 518.6 mm in 60 hours. In addition, over 400 mm of rain fell at several weather stations in the provinces of Catania, Ogliastra, Vibo Valentia, Messina, and Reggio Calabria.

Wave height. According to the National Wave Measurement Network (RON), between January 20 and 21, waves reached maximum heights of almost 10 m in Catania, Sicily; 7.50 m in Capo Colonna, in the province of Crotone in Calabria; and approximately 4.50 m in Capo Boi, in the province of Cagliari in Sardinia.

Winds. During severe weather conditions, strong gale-force winds with gusts reaching violent storm levels hit Calabria, Sardinia, and Sicily, causing severe and widespread storm surges on exposed coastlines. Specifically, average wind speeds reached around 70 km/h with frequent gusts exceeding 100 km/h.

Last update on January 21, 2026, at 2 p.m.