Flood Risks in Sirmione and Lake Garda Amid Rain and Wind

With the return of rain and the threat of wind, the flood nightmare has resumed. The rescue systems of Protezione Civile, Vigili del Fuoco, and volunteer organizations are back on high alert.

Floods and Protections

In Sirmione, the Monte Baldo parking lot, the lakeside promenade, and part of the historic center remain flooded. The specter of water hovers particularly over the hotels located along Garda, such as Eden, Giardino, Continental, Du Lac, and all others on the western shore.

Venues in the city center are closed. For operators, the anxiety continues. On the initiative of the Servizio Intercomunale, thousands of sandbags have been deployed in recent days to protect entrances and basements.

There is also flood risk in Lugana, where the lake has overflowed the basin multiple times in recent days. Coverings have been placed on the Colombare marina and partly on Lugana Marina.

Lake Levels and Disposal Operations

Yesterday morning, the level fluctuated between 170 and 174 centimeters above the hydrographic zero. The Salionze dam discharges 190 cubic meters per second: no more than that can be released.

In fact, the Magistrato del Po, Mantova Operations Office, is expected to issue a reduction measure as the Mincio threatens to overflow, moment by moment.

The Enel power plants supply 112 cubic meters per second, to which the 15 cubic meters from the Gargnano plant must be added, along with contributions from rivers and streams flowing into the lake.

This suggests a perfect balance between water inflow and outflow: the reason why water levels are not decreasing. The hydrological budget is in perfect equilibrium.

Weather Forecast and Local Situation

The forecasts released by the Osservatorio Bianchi predict a «moderate wind in the morning and weak in the afternoon coming from the north-northeast» today. For Sunday, wind may strengthen in the evening, still from the same direction.

Consequently, the lake should be «slightly choppy», except for this morning. The same situation applies to Desenzano. Hotels facing the lakeside Battisti between Piazza Matteotti and Desenzanino are protected by sandbags. Many boats in the port have been removed by their owners.