A powerful storm has battered Tuscany, with the island of Elba experiencing over 56mm of rainfall in just one hour in Portoferraio (Livorno). The intense weather has also affected inland areas, with heavy thunderstorms striking Fucecchio (Florence) and Santa Croce sull’Arno (Pisa). The President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, reported the extreme conditions via social media, warning residents to take precautions.
The sudden downpour has led to localized flooding, causing disruptions to traffic and daily activities. Emergency services are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and providing assistance where needed. Some roads have been temporarily closed due to water accumulation, and authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Power outages have also been reported in some areas, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.
Meteorologists predict that scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to impact the central and southern parts of Tuscany in the coming hours. The regional government has advised citizens to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution, especially in flood-prone areas. Schools in the most affected municipalities are evaluating whether to suspend activities for safety reasons.
Residents have shared images and videos of streets submerged in water, highlighting the intensity of the storm. While no major damage has been reported so far, the situation remains unpredictable, and officials stress the importance of preparedness as adverse weather conditions persist.
Authorities are also assessing potential landslide risks in hilly areas, given the saturation of the ground from the heavy rain. The Civil Protection Agency is coordinating efforts to ensure swift responses to emergencies, and volunteers are assisting affected communities. Citizens are encouraged to report any critical situations to local authorities to ensure timely interventions.
Elba Storm Update (Feb 14, 10,30 am): Firefighters Continue Rescue Operations
Rescue operations continue on Elba Island following yesterday’s heavy rainfall. Firefighters have completed 40 interventions, assisting or evacuating 80 people from flooded homes and stranded vehicles.
With weather conditions now improving, efforts are focused on draining water from basements and ground floors. Firefighting teams from Livorno are working on-site, reinforced by divers and water rescue specialists from other Tuscan commands.
In Portoferraio, firefighters carried out three rescue operations yesterday due to rising water levels, evacuating residents trapped in their homes. Twenty-eight people were assisted after their vehicles were stranded on the town’s main road. Additionally, 12 people, including nine minors, were evacuated from a dance school, while 10 others were rescued from a pizzeria.
Update (Feb 14, 3,00 pm): Amphibious Rescues in Maremma
Rescue operations are underway in Orbetello (Grosseto), where firefighters are using amphibious vehicles to assist people still stranded after last night’s storms. Flooded roads have left several homes in rural areas inaccessible, while hundreds of hectares of farmland between Albinia, Orbetello, and Capalbio remain underwater.
Heavy rainfall caused canals and ditches to overflow, spreading water and mud across fields of cereals and vegetables, as well as flooding warehouses and ground floors of homes. In the southern part of Orbetello, between Ansedonia and Capalbio, a severe hailstorm added to the damage. Local authorities have approved an emergency fund of €80,000 for immediate interventions.
Update (Feb 15, 12 pm): Regional State of Emergency Declared for Elba
Following the storm that hit Portoferraio (Livorno) and other municipalities on the Island of Elba, an ordinance will soon be issued declaring a regional state of emergency and natural disaster, “along with a request to the government for a similar measure at the national level for the Island of Elba,” said Tuscany’s President Eugenio Giani.
“Specifically,” he added in a statement, “this will apply to the municipality of Portoferraio and all other affected areas where the necessary conditions for emergency measures are confirmed.”
