ROME - A wave of extreme weather hit Rome Sunday night, causing major disruption to public transport and forcing drivers to abandon their cars. Not only were the streets battered by strong winds and torrential rain, but also by large chunks of hail. Firefighters were called out nationwide, from Milan to Sicily.

 Many metro stations were closed, including six from line A and one from line B. Cases of flash flooding blocked police cars and left residents trapped in their vehicles. In the eastern part of the city, the water level reportedly reached one metre.

 San Sebastiano fuori le Mura, one of the city’s seven pilgrim churches up to the Great Jubilee of 2000, was reportedly flooded. The city’s historic centre was blanketed in chunks of hail. Firefighters’ help was required above all in Via Tiburtina, Via Collatina and Via Prenestina. Many homes and shops have been damaged, as well as trees and plants.

 Just last week, the region of Calabria also suffered severe damage from extreme weather conditions. Local authorities issued an orange alert for the region, and many towns ordered schools to be closed.

 Furthermore strong winds have hit Milan in recent days, while Bologna airport has experienced delays due to dangerous flying conditions.  

 In spite of this, forecasters have predicted warmer weather this week, with storms only returning on the weekend.

 fh