Florence and several areas in Tuscany are under severe weather conditions, with rising water levels in the Arno River and widespread flooding in various towns.
Arno River: High Water Levels but Under Control in Florence
As of March 14, at 8:50 PM, the “flood peak” of the Arno River was passing through Florence, registering a water level of 4.29 meters at the Uffizi hydrometer station. This exceeds the first warning level of 3 meters but remains below the second warning threshold of 5.50 meters. The regional civil protection authorities have reported a river flow of 1,466 cubic meters per second.
Further downstream, the Arno has reached the second warning level at several locations:
- Ponte a Signa: 8.5 meters
- Empoli: 5.2 meters
- Fucecchio: 5.7 meters
- San Giovanni alla Vena (near Pisa): 7.1 meters
- Pontedera: 2,550 cubic meters per second
Despite the concerning rise, Florence Mayor Sara Funaro reassured residents that the situation is being closely monitored and remains under control.
Flooding and Emergency Measures in Tuscany
Sesto Fiorentino has been significantly impacted by the flooding, prompting the closure of all businesses, schools, and public offices until at least 2 PM on March 15. Residents in ground-floor and basement apartments near waterways were advised to evacuate. The municipality has also set up an online portal for requesting volunteer assistance in cleaning operations.
In the Mugello region, severe flooding has been reported. In Vicchio, the Sieve River overflowed, submerging the industrial area and several homes. Authorities worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and protect livestock in affected farms.
Transportation Disruptions
Rail services remain severely disrupted due to storm damage:
- The Florence-Borgo San Lorenzo (via Vaglia and Pontassieve) and Borgo San Lorenzo-Marradi-Faenza lines will remain closed on March 15.
- Reduced services are expected on the Florence-Arezzo, Florence-Pistoia, Florence-Pisa-Livorno, and Lucca-Pisa routes.
- Due to impassable roads, replacement bus services are not available at this time.
Multiple roads across Florence’s metropolitan area remain closed, particularly in the Mugello region, Lastra a Signa, Sesto Fiorentino, and Vaglia.
Critical Weather Conditions and Forecast
The Tuscan Civil Protection Agency has warned of continued rainfall, with showers expected to persist until early morning on March 15. While precipitation may decrease temporarily, additional rain is forecasted for the morning hours, maintaining a high-risk scenario in affected areas.
Emergency teams continue to work across Tuscany, responding to flooding, landslides, and evacuations. The red alert for extreme weather remains in place until at least 2 PM on March 15, with possible extensions depending on the evolving situation.
Authorities urge residents to limit movements, follow official updates, and document any property damages for future recovery assistance.
Conclusion
As Tuscany battles these severe weather conditions, coordinated efforts between local governments, civil protection teams, and volunteers are crucial in mitigating the impact. Residents are encouraged to stay alert, prioritize safety, and remain informed through official channels.
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