Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna faced severe weather on Friday as torrential rain caused widespread flooding and pushed several rivers beyond alert levels. A red alert is now in place for Florence, Pisa, and Prato.
Local authorities raised the extreme weather alert from orange to red in Florence, Prato, Pistoia, and Pisa. Tuscany’s regional government said the decision was made by the civil protection service’s operational committee following discussions with the crisis unit.
“The red alert takes effect at midday, but residents should exercise extreme caution and limit movement immediately,” officials stated. They also confirmed that the Arno River was under observation after rising above alert level one.
The warning says a full flood of the Arno is expected in the afternoon in Florence, for the night in Pisa. The current river situation is given as:
- Arno Ponte a Signa, Montelupo Empoli, at the second level
- Era in Capannoli at the second level
- Bisenzio in San Piero a Ponti at the second level
- Ombrone Pistoiese at the second level
- Sieve at the second level
- Cascina Ponsacco at the second level
- Era in Capannoli at the second level
- Fine at the second level decreasing
Florence has already experienced severe flooding, particularly in the Sesto Fiorentino district, where the Rimaggio stream overflowed, inundating major roads. Heavy rain also caused flooding in other parts of the city, with officials urging residents to stay indoors and move to upper floors for safety.
Emilia-Romagna facing floods yet again
The storm also battered Emilia-Romagna, affecting Forlì, Ravenna, Bologna, and Ferrara. In the Apennine areas, rivers including the Senio, Lamone, and Santerno exceeded alert levels, according to Emilia-Romagna Meteo.
Bologna authorities ordered the evacuation of ground-floor rooms from 10 pm on Thursday due to a red alert for torrential rain and flooding. Following an alert from environmental agency Arpae, the municipality instructed residents in affected districts to evacuate basements, semi-basements, and ground floors until the emergency subsides.
