Flood threat at Imola as river rises
Authorities issue warnings to put grand prix in doubt Paddock staff evacuated but race officials try to calm fears
Formula One staff were forced to evacuate the Imola paddock amid concern over heavy rain and possible flooding ahead of this weekend’s grand prix.
Officials moved to calm fears over the viability of the race itself, with the evacuation described as merely precautionary while authorities monitor the situation on what is traditionally a quiet day in race weeks.
A picture circulating of the Imola paddock showed no more than a few big puddles, while F1 personnel were able to continue to set up their garages and paddock homes before the evacuation order.
But there is an acceptance that water levels in the nearby Santerno river, which runs parallel to the paddock, could rise before they fall.
Italian authorities issued flood and landslide warnings for yesterday and today in the Emiliaromagna region, which extends
from the Apennine Mountains to the Po river in the north of the country and is home to the Alphatauri team. There is further heavy rain forecast today before it is supposed to ease off tomorrow. It is then due to return again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Already videos of the river on social media show the Santerno running exceptionally high. The fear is that it breaches its banks before the weekend’s estimated 120,000 spectators arrive, causing a major headache for race organisers. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is keenly anticipated as it is where Mercedes F1 will introduce their long-awaited upgrade package following the team’s disappointing start to the season.
The region was already hit by severe weather two weeks ago, which caused two fatalities and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes. This time the National Crisis Unit in Italy has urged people to remain at home because of the risks posed by the severe weather.
“In the areas affected by the red alert, the mayors could foresee, for tomorrow, the closure of schools and roads most at risk, starting from those near the banks and landslide areas,” it warned. “The invitation to citizens is to avoid travel as much as possible.”
Cycling’s Giro d’italia has also been affected by the weather chaos in the area, with many riders keen to shorten yesterday’s 10th stage from Scandiano to Viareggio.