A heavy rainstorm swept through Florence this morning January 28, 2025, unleashing nearly 39 millimeters of rain in just three hours. The sudden downpour caused widespread flooding, travel disruptions, and a range of safety concerns across the city and its surrounding areas.
Flooded Streets and Transport Disruptions
Florence’s municipal police reported extensive flooding in various parts of the city, from the Oltrarno district to Galluzzo. Key underpasses such as Via Mariti and Via della Cascine were closed due to rising water levels, while others experienced disruptions without halting traffic entirely. Notable areas affected include Piazza Tasso, Piazza della Calza, and Via Incontri.
The city’s tram system also came to a standstill in some sections. The T1 line now operates limited services, with shuttle buses covering the gaps between Careggi-Strozzi and Villa Costanza-Porta a Prato. The T2 line is running only between Peretola and Unità, and between San Marco and Poliziano.
Nearby, the Florence-Pisa-Livorno highway faced delays as flooding caused partial closures near Ginestra Fiorentina and Lastra a Signa. In the municipality of Vaglia, the State Road 65 of the Futa was completely closed due to mudslides and debris, with traffic redirected.
Emergency Response in Progress
The city’s drainage system struggled to cope with the intense rainfall, leaving dozens of streets submerged. Firefighters responded to emergencies, including rescuing a driver trapped in the flooded Via Mariti underpass. Meanwhile, police and civil protection teams worked to manage traffic and pump out water from critical areas.
In the Cascine area, concerns rose as the Fosso Macinante canal reached critical levels. The city’s traditional horse-drawn carriage operators kept a close watch over their stables near the rising waters, while requesting additional support.
Rivers and Torrents on High Alert
The Mugnone torrent, which flows through Florence, breached its first alert level of 3 meters at Ponte alle Mosse, prompting close monitoring by authorities. Thankfully, water levels began to recede later in the day, mitigating the immediate risk.
Calls for Caution
Florence Mayor Sara Funaro urged residents to remain cautious during their travels. “Many underpasses and roads are flooded. The situation is under control and improving, but please drive carefully and limit travel unless necessary,” she advised on social media.
Regional President Eugenio Giani echoed similar sentiments, noting that while Florence’s urban systems withstood the intense rain, nearby areas such as Lunigiana and Mugello experienced landslides, fallen trees, and power outages.
Outlook
While the immediate storm is subsiding, Florence’s local authorities remain vigilant as scattered rain continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through updates from municipal channels and to avoid high-risk areas until conditions stabilize.
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