Regional Civil Protection warning: showers and thunderstorms, very strong gusts and storm surges. Lagalla signs the ordinance: stop schools and open spaces.
L’Sicily weather alert for Thursday 12 February it is official and presents a clear picture: risk spread across the entire region, with level orange on the province of Messina e yellow in the rest of the island.
L’notice from the Civil Protection regional concerns the meteorological-hydrogeological and hydraulic risk, with validity from 4pm today until midnight tomorrow. Storms, very strong gusts of wind and storm surges are arriving along the exposed coasts. In Palermo the hard line is taken: closure order for schools and public outdoor spaces.
Sicily weather alert: levels and most exposed areas
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The regional bulletin precisely distinguishes the levels of criticality:
- Orange alert on the Tyrrhenian side of the province of Messina;
- Yellow alert on the rest of the Sicilian territory.
The forecasts speak of showers and thunderstormswith greater probability and intensity on the Tyrrhenian sectors. Both scattered and widespread phenomena are expected, including thunderstorms, with possible impacts on the minor hydraulic network and fragile areas.
Gale to stormy winds and storm surges
The most critical point of this Sicily weather alert it’s not just the rain. The real pressure element is the wind. The Civil Protection reports:
- gale to strong westerly winds;
- gusts up to storm;
- storm surges along exposed coasts;
- severe marine conditions on the Tyrrhenian coasts.
A scenario that increases the risk of localized damage, falling trees or branches, traffic problems and dangers in coastal areas.
Palermo closes schools, parks and cemeteries: mayor’s order
In Palermo, despite the yellow alert level, the mayor Roberto Lagalla signed a precautionary order for Thursday 12 February which provides for the closure of schools of all levelsbeyond:
- villas and public gardens;
- outdoor sports facilities;
- playgrounds;
- cemeteries.
The measure arises from the forecasts of wind gusts over 95 kilometers per hour. Lagalla explains: “Even in the presence of a yellow alert, the forecast data indicate weather conditions characterized by very intense gusts of wind. In such a situation we believe it is our duty not to take any risks, reduce travel and protect the safety of students, school staff and families. The choice is dictated exclusively by criteria of prudence and prevention”. The Municipality will maintain constant monitoring together with the Civil Protection.
What the population should do during the weather warning
With a picture of Sicily weather alert marked by strong winds, storms and storms, concrete, not generic, behaviors are needed. Operational indications:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the most intense phases
- Do not park under trees, scaffolding, balconies and billboards
- Secure objects on balconies and terraces
- Pay maximum attention when driving, especially on sections exposed to the wind
- Keep away from piers, cliffs and shorelines during storm surges
- Do not cross flooded roads or underpasses
- Follow only official updates from Municipalities and Civil Protection
The main risk comes from sudden gusts: prevention and reduction of exposure make the difference.
FAQ
How long does the alert last?
Give her 16 today until 24 tomorrow (February 12).
Where is the alert orange in Sicily?
On the Tyrrhenian side of the province of Messina.
What level is there in the rest of the island?
Yellow alert.
Why does Palermo close schools if the alert is yellow?
For forecasts of gusts over 95 km/h and to reduce risks and travel.
What is more dangerous: rain or wind?
In this scenario, especially the wind (gusts up to storm) and the storm surges on exposed coasts.
date: 2026-02-12 01:34:00
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