A violent storm hit the Adriatic coast in Romagna with full force shortly before sunrise. The provinces of Rimini and Ravenna were hit by a veritable "water bomb", accompanied by extreme gusts of wind and hail. More than 70 millimetres of rain fell within a very short space of time, while the wind reached speeds of up to 100 km/h - a peak value of 122.3 km/h was even measured in Bellaria. The storm front moved southwards from Ravenna and Cervia, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Flooded roads and devastated beaches
The consequences of the storm were considerable. The coast was a scene of destruction: deckchairs were tossed around and the roofs of numerous bathing establishments were torn away or severely damaged. In Rimini, five underpasses were under water, and a car was even trapped in one. The city's civil defense spoke of a "very severe storm". Local transport was also affected; the connection between Rimini and Igea Marina was interrupted. The fire departments were in constant action to remove fallen trees from roads, power lines and even from a bungalow on a campsite.
Authorities warn and initiate measures
The coastal towns of Cesenatico, Gatteo and San Mauro Pascoli were not spared either. In Cervia, Mayor Mattia Missiroli called on citizens to exercise extreme caution after flooding and fallen trees occurred, particularly in the Milano Marittima district. The municipal operations center was activated by decree and the pine forests and all wooded parks were closed to the public. A fire department helicopter flew over the area to get an overview of the extent of the damage. However, the most important news of the day is that, as things stand at present, no people have been injured.
