Rainstorm and gale alert in southern Italy

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 30 - A weather alert is in place for southern Italy Wednesday with all regions expected to be hit by heavy thunderstorms, causing widespread flooding, and high winds and gales.
    Heavy rain and strong winds swept Calabria Wednesday morning and there was snow over high ground.
    A close watch was being kept on the levels of Calabrian rivers, which are in danger of breaking their banks.
    Sardinia also saw the first snows of winter.
    The picturesque seaside resort town of Maratea in Basilicata was struck by a large landslip and the local state highway number 18 was closed off. (ANSA).