Heavy rain has swelled rivers and flooded streets in Florence, with authorities issuing a red weather alert for the historic Italian city and its surroundings, urging residents to stay indoors.
Eugenio Giani, head of the central Tuscany region which includes Florence and Pisa, advised citizens to exercise "maximum care and attention", warning of "intense and persistent rain" during the day.
The fire service published images of cars partially submerged in water in the Sesto Fiorentino neighbourhood north of Florence's historic centre.
It said that it had received dozens of requests for help across the city.
#Maltempo #Firenze, decine di richieste di soccorso sono giunte alla sala operativa dei #vigilidelfuoco del capoluogo toscano, soprattutto per allagamenti e autisti in difficoltà. Maggiori criticità a Sesto Fiorentino per l'esondazione del torrente Rimaggio [#14marzo 11:15] pic.twitter.com/FK2Y6s9bjC
— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) March 14, 2025
Schools, parks and cemeteries in Florence and nearby Prato had already been closed after an amber weather alert - one down from the maximum red - was declared yesterday.
Mr Giani said floodgates and expansion tanks were ready to be opened if necessary to ease the pressure on the Arno, the river that runs through Florence and Pisa to the sea.
To the northeast, authorities also issued a red weather warning for the region of Emilia Romagna, where devastating floods left 17 people dead two years ago.
Some rivers in the area, which includes the historic city of Bologna, were already swollen by previous downpours.
The municipality said the situation was "under control", but more rain is forecast.
