The regional civil protection authority has extended the orange-level weather alert in northern Tuscany through Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 PM, due to ongoing hydrogeological and hydraulic risks related to minor river networks. The warning follows last weekend’s storms, which left the soil vulnerable to further landslides and flooding.
The areas under orange alert include:
• Northern Tuscany, particularly along the Arno, Bisenzio, Ombrone Pistoiese, Serchio, and Reno rivers
• Valdelsa, Valdera, Lunigiana, Versilia, Romagna Toscana, Mugello, and Val di Sieve
Meanwhile, a yellow alert remains in effect for Prato and Pistoia, focusing on the main watercourses in those areas.
The warning comes as scattered rainfall continues across much of the region. Today’s showers are expected to be more intense in:
• Southern Lucca
• Provinces of Pistoia, Prato, Florence
• Northern areas of Livorno and Pisa
• Siena and the Amiata region
On Sunday, rain is likely overnight and into the morning, especially in northwestern Tuscany and between the southern Grosseto, Siena, and Arezzo areas. Light, scattered showers may continue into the afternoon and evening in central and southern inland areas.
Strong southern winds (Scirocco) are also affecting the region, with gusts of up to 70 km/h expected along the southern coast and the Tuscan Archipelago today. On Sunday, similar gusts are forecast on the Emilia-Romagna-facing slopes of the Apennines.
Local Impacts and Safety Measures
Despite the bad weather, no major critical issues have been reported so far. However, authorities remain cautious, especially in the Alto Mugello and northwestern Tuscany, areas already impacted by previous storms.
In Florence province, 91 people were evacuated as a precaution, including 70 in Marradi and 21 in Vaglia.
Several municipalities have issued closures for safety:
• Fiesole: parks, gardens, cemeteries
• Calenzano: schools, parks, sports facilities
• Lastra a Signa: parks, outdoor events, markets, cemeteries
• Bagno a Ripoli: parks, markets, cemeteries
• Borgo San Lorenzo: schools, markets, cemeteries
Disrupted Ferry Connections to the Islands
Due to rough seas and strong winds, ferry services have been disrupted:
• Nearly ten sailings between Piombino and the Island of Elba (Portoferraio and Rio Marina) were cancelled throughout the day.
• Ferry links between Porto Santo Stefano and the Island of Giglio were also suspended this morning.
Broader Weather Situation in Italy
The adverse weather is caused by an Atlantic trough bringing southwesterly winds across Italy. Besides Tuscany, orange alerts are in place for southern wind gusts in Puglia, Calabria, and Basilicata, with sea storms expected along exposed coastlines. Yellow alerts are active in Umbria, eastern Marche, parts of Lazio, and the rest of Tuscany.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and advise residents and travelers to follow local updates and respect any closures or safety measures.
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