Tuscany is once again facing unstable weather, with regional authorities issuing an orange weather alert for Saturday, March 22, particularly affecting the central and northern areas of the region. While the rainfall is not expected to be as intense as in previous days, the alert remains in place due to persistent hydrogeological and hydraulic risks, especially in areas still recovering from last week’s severe storms.
Where the Alert Applies
The orange-level alert—the second-highest on the Italian warning scale—will be in effect from 7:00 AM until the end of Saturday. It covers several key areas, including:
• Along the rivers Arno, Bisenzio, Ombrone Pistoiese, Serchio, and Reno
• The Valdelsa and Valdera valleys
• Lunigiana, Versilia, Romagna Toscana, Mugello, and Val di Sieve
The rest of Tuscany will be under a yellow-level alert, indicating moderate risk, including the main river networks near the Bisenzio and Ombrone Pistoiese.
Weather Forecast and Risks
The regional civil protection agency forecasts widespread rain starting early Saturday, with potential thunderstorms, especially in the lower Valdarno, along the Bisenzio and Ombrone Pistoiese rivers, Mugello, Val di Sieve, Romagna Toscana, and in the northern Apennine mountains.
Strong scirocco winds are also expected. Gusts may reach 60–80 km/h in the Tuscan Archipelago starting Friday and up to 50–60 km/h along the southern coast and islands on Saturday. The southern sea sector will be very rough, adding another layer of risk for coastal areas.
Closures and Safety Measures
In response to the alert, several municipalities have taken precautionary steps. Schools will remain closed on Saturdayin the following areas:
• Livorno
• Seravezza (Versilia)
• Aulla (Lunigiana)
• The entire Empolese area, including:
• Empoli
• Capraia e Limite
• Castelfiorentino
• Cerreto Guidi
• Certaldo
• Fucecchio
• Gambassi Terme
• Montaione
• Montelupo Fiorentino
• Vinci
• Montespertoli
In Viareggio, local authorities have also closed both public pine forests as a standard safety procedure during weather alerts.
Key Areas to Watch
Although the overall intensity of the storm is expected to be moderate, high attention remains on the Arno basin and inland areas such as the provinces of Florence and Prato, which were among the hardest hit by last week’s flooding. Coastal areas, particularly around Livorno, are also being closely monitored.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated through official channels and follow any local instructions. Those planning to travel within Tuscany on Saturday should prepare for possible disruptions, closures, and adverse conditions, especially in the orange alert zones.