Tuscany is grappling with severe weather conditions, with heavy rainfall causing floods, road closures, and the suspension of public activities. The regional government issued a red weather alert at noon today for the provinces of Prato, Pistoia, Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.
Key Developments:
• Flooding in Sesto Fiorentino: The Rimaggio stream overflowed, causing extensive flooding.
• School and Museum Closures: In Florence, schools, museums, cinemas, and universities will remain closed until at least Saturday, March 15.
• Severe Traffic Disruptions: The A1 highway faces 10 kilometers of traffic congestion, particularly between Firenze Impruneta and the A1 Direct Route toward Bologna.
• Arno River on High Alert: The peak water level in Florence is expected at 8:00 PM, reaching approximately 4 meters, below the 5.5-meter warning threshold.
• Landslide Incident: A landslide hit a van earlier today, injuring two people.
• Flooding in Bagno a Ripoli: The Rimezzano stream overflowed, prompting road closures and extending school shutdowns.
Emergency Evacuations and Safety Measures
• Calenzano: Around 50 people were evacuated near the Marinella stream and are currently housed at the Metropolitan Civil Protection Center.
• Pontassieve: Families residing in basements and ground-floor apartments in Montebonello and surrounding areas were ordered to evacuate.
• Campi Bisenzio: Authorities found a person previously reported missing as the area remains heavily impacted by the floods.
• Pisa: Bridges were temporarily closed from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM as a precautionary measure.
Florence’s Response and Tourist Activity
Despite the severe weather, some tourists ventured onto Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita to capture images of the swollen Arno River. However, city officials strongly advise residents and visitors to stay indoors, avoid driving, and move to higher floors if living near watercourses.
Ongoing Efforts and Recommendations
Authorities are working to resolve the most critical situations, particularly in Sesto Fiorentino, Campi Bisenzio, and Calenzano. Meanwhile, civil protection services are handling hundreds of emergency calls across the region.
Residents are urged to follow official updates, avoid riverbanks and flooded areas, and refrain from unnecessary travel.
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