Severe flooding and landslides have struck parts of northern Italy, with red weather alerts in place for cities including Florence and Pisa. Heavy rain continues to batter the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, prompting warnings of extreme and widespread flooding.
Torrential downpours triggered landslides in Bologna, forcing some residents to evacuate on Thursday evening. By Friday morning, local officials said the worst of the flooding had passed, though damage assessments were still ongoing.
In Tuscany, a family of four was rescued from a landslide in Badia Prataglia, while emergency services were inundated with calls after the Rimaggio river overflowed, flooding parts of Sesto Fiorentino on Florence’s northern outskirts.
Authorities in Pisa scrambled to erect flood defences along the Arno River after water levels exceeded the first flood-risk threshold. Meanwhile, roads were severely affected by fallen trees and rising floodwaters, leading officials in Florence to advise against all travel. A section of the A1 motorway was also temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions.
Schools and Universities Shut as Flooding Worsens
As a precaution, schools in more than 60 Tuscan municipalities were closed on Friday, along with several campuses of the University of Florence. The red alerts, signaling a serious risk of flooding, are expected to remain in place throughout the day as more rain is forecast.
The region is no stranger to extreme weather. Emilia-Romagna was already dealing with swollen rivers following previous storms, and memories of past disasters remain fresh. In September 2024, more than 1,000 residents were evacuated after Storm Boris wreaked havoc in the northeast. Just a year earlier, 13 people died when six months’ worth of rain fell in just 36 hours, causing 20 rivers to overflow and triggering nearly 300 landslides.
Climate Change and Increasing Extreme Weather
Experts warn that climate change is playing a role in the intensification of such extreme weather events. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group have linked the devastating impact of Storm Boris to global warming, noting that Europe—now the fastest-warming continent—is experiencing more frequent and intense rainfall.
As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, increasing the risk of heavier downpours and catastrophic flooding. With Italy facing yet another round of extreme weather, concerns are growing over how the country can better prepare for future climate-driven disasters.
For now, emergency crews remain on high alert as Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna brace for more rainfall, with authorities urging residents to stay cautious and follow safety guidelines.
