Newsletters
A rare tornado and severe thunderstorms swept through the northern districts of Rome on Wednesday morning, bringing destructive winds, flash flooding, and heavy rainfall that severely paralyzed traffic across the Italian capital.
The violent weather hit on the exact day residents were returning to school and work following the long weekend, causing significant disruption for commuters, according to Agenzia Nova.
Driven by a strong low-pressure system moving across Italy, the turbulent weather extended beyond Rome, triggering heavy precipitation and localized flooding across the broader regions of Lazio, Tuscany and Friuli.
The severe weather hit the Conca d'Oro, Monte Sacro, Prati, and Talenti areas particularly hard.
Powerful gusts toppled approximately 50 trees, uprooted road signs, displaced garbage bins, and crushed parked vehicles.
On Via dei Prati Fiscali, a large pine tree crashed onto the roof of a gas station. In the same area, a driver narrowly escaped death when a falling tree crushed his Maserati.
"Suddenly, I saw this tree swinging, but in a second, it fell on my head," the driver recalled in an interview with the "Local Team" web channel, shared by Agenzia Nova. "It grazed me, coming within about two centimeters of my nose. Thank God, a side branch saved me."
The storm created widespread gridlock across northern Rome, impacting major arteries including Via Salaria, Via dei Prati Fiscali, and Via Conca d'Oro.
Agenzia Nova reported that on the Eastern Ring Road, a tree collapsed across the lanes immediately following the Salaria exit, blocking traffic in both directions and striking several passing cars, though no injuries were reported.
The combination of fallen trees and rising floodwaters ultimately forced officials to close a section of the ring road near Via dei Campi Sportivi.
Local infrastructure also took a heavy beating. Video footage shared widely on social media showed debris, torn awnings, and roofs blown off residential homes, according to both outlets.
A local market on Via Val di Lanzo suffered extensive damage, with stalls and umbrellas whipped through the streets by the vortex.
Since 8:00 a.m., firefighters have been deployed on dozens of urgent interventions to secure unsafe branches and clear blocked roadways.
Paolo Marchionne, president of the Municipio Roma III, provided an initial assessment of the situation to Agenzia Nova.
"Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported," Marchionne stated, noting that while some individuals suffered minor injuries, the event primarily caused immense fear alongside extensive damage to public and private property.
In addition to the 50 downed trees, emergency crews are currently working to repair damaged traffic lights, displaced road signs, and broken sections of sidewalk.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
