“Apocalyptic Storm” Hits Sydney, Australia

EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATIC EVENTS
MEGA STORM
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Mega storm hits Sydney with lightning , thunder and heavy rain

Severe thunderstorm and torrential rains swept through Sydney and much of New South Wales in Australia on Wednesday, wreaking havoc across a vast region.

Massive clouds rolled over Sydney harbor spawning a ferocious electrical storm described by some residents as an “Apocalyptic Storm.”

More storms are expected to hit New South Wales (NSW) over the next few days, forecasters said.

Sardinia Declares a State of Emergency due to Cyclone CLEOPATRA

Cyclone CLEOPATRA Leaves Thousands Displaced in Sardinia

Death toll in Sardinia storms has climbed to at least 17, with a dozen others reported missing, as thousands of people abandon their flooded homes taking refuge in hotels.

Cyclone Cleopatra dumped 450mm in 90 minutes late Monday, causing “apocalyptic” flooding in the region.

Swollen rivers have burst their banks, roads have been washed away and large swathes of countryside isolated throughout the province of Nuoro.

The calamity was described as a “national tragedy” by the Prime Minister Enrico Letta.

The regional governor Ugo Cappellacci told SkyTG24 television the town of Olbia had been flooded with several bridges collapsing.

“The situation is tragic. The hotels in Olbia are full of people who have had to escape but there are thousands who have damage to their homes,” he said.

Olbia Mayor Gianni Giovanelli described the deadly storm as “apocalyptic.”

Deadly Flooding in Sardinia. Image credit:  TG24.sky.it

“We’re at maximum alert,” said an official from Sardinia’s civil protection office.

“We haven’t seen a situation as extreme as this, perhaps for decades, especially because it’s hit the entire island.”

The civil protection authorities in Veneto (Venetia) have warned extreme weather could hit several other regions, according to SkyTG24 television.

The bad weather will continue throughout the week. On Thursday a cold air front from northern Europe is forecast to intensify CLEOPATRA, as she continues to “rage over NE Italy.”

Major snowfall is forecast for Umbria, Marche and Tuscany regions.

The storms have caused significant damage to crops in Sardinia, according to reports.

Meantime, the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has sent a message of condolence to the families of flood victims.

Related Links

• “Apocalyptic” Storms, Flash Floods Strike Sardinia, Italy November 19, 2013

“Apocalyptic” Storms, Flash Floods Strike Sardinia, Italy

Two dozen dead or missing, hundreds evacuated as extreme weather batters Sardinia

At least a dozen people were killed, more than a dozen others reported missing and hundreds evacuated after storms tore through the Italian island of Sardinia late Monday.

Powerful storms and torrential rains submerged roads sweeping cars and destroying several bridges, as rivers burst their banks inundating hundred of home and businesses reported local media.

The township of Olbia (Population: 57,000), located northeast of the island, was the hardest hit area.

Heavy rains were buffeting both northern and southern Italy with high winds and flooding reported in coastal areas, officials said.

Massive floods triggered by extreme rain events hit the island of Sardinia, Italy (Image Credit: AP/Diego Manunta).  The city was destroyed by the “apocalyptic” storm, with several dead and several missing. Olbia mayor Gianni Giovanelli told reporters.