Snow blankets large parts of Tuscany

Large parts of Tuscany woke up to snowfall on Epiphany, with snow reported from around 300 metres above sea level and, in some areas, even lower. The regional civil protection service urged motorists to drive with caution and reminded them that winter equipment is mandatory in affected areas.

According to regional authorities, snow fell across wide areas of central and eastern Tuscany during the night and early morning, prompting the deployment of snowploughs and salt spreaders on main roads. A yellow alert for snow remained in force on Tuesday for eastern parts of the region.

Eastern Tuscany and the Apennines

In the province of Arezzo, snow reached hilly areas, while the city of Arezzo saw cold temperatures and rain. Snow accumulated on the surrounding reliefs of the Tuscan Apennines, particularly in the Casentino and Upper Tiber Valley areas, without major disruptions reported by local authorities.

Winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory on mountain roads, and traffic is being monitored on key routes, including the E45 dual carriageway, where salt spreading is on standby in case of ice.

Where snow is falling

Snow is already reaching valley floors in Alto Mugello, Casentino and Alta Val Tiberina, while in other parts of the region it is falling mainly on low hills, from around 200 to 400 metres above sea level. Light snow and sleet are also reported in Florence, though without accumulation so far. As the morning progresses, precipitation is moving northwards from southern and eastern areas towards central Tuscany, with low temperatures increasing the risk of ice formation, particularly on secondary roads and in hilly areas.

Practical information for residents and visitors

Drivers are advised to check road conditions before travelling, especially in inland and mountainous areas, and to ensure vehicles are equipped with winter tyres or snow chains where required. Local authorities recommend limiting non-essential travel in higher areas until conditions improve.

Updated at midday, January 6

Snow continued to fall across large parts of Italy’s Tuscany on Monday morning, reaching unusually low altitudes and causing travel disruptions in several inland areas. According to regional authorities, snowfall was reported from about 200–300 metres above sea level, and in some places even lower.

Snow was recorded across wide areas of the region, including the Chianti hills, Val d’Elsa, Mugello, Val di Bisenzio and Valdinievole. In western Tuscany, snow fell on Mount Serra in the Pisa area and in parts of the Val di Cecina, with Volterra waking up under a light blanket of snow. In the province of Livorno, snowfall was reported in the Valle Benedetta, a hilly area not far from the coast, from around 300 metres upwards.

In central Tuscany, light snow also reached urban areas. Siena saw flurries late in the morning, while San Gimignanowas visibly snow-covered, including its medieval towers. No major traffic problems were reported there, and rising temperatures later in the day turned snow into rain across much of the province.

Roads and travel conditions

Regional authorities confirmed that snowploughs and salt spreaders were operating across affected areas. On the A1 motorway, north of Florence, traffic was regulated with checks by traffic police to ensure vehicles were equipped with snow chains. Traffic was allowed only in the driving lane in that stretch.

The Metropolitan City of Florence urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel in the Mugello and Val di Sieve areas after several vehicles without winter equipment became stuck, slowing snow-clearing operations.

Municipal authorities in Scandicci also warned that hill roads were snow-covered and potentially slippery, advising travel only when strictly necessary and only with winter tyres or chains, as required by Italian regulations.

Weather outlook

The regional civil protection service said snowfall would gradually ease from the afternoon, shifting eastwards and continuing mainly in the Apennine areas of northern Tuscany and parts of the provinces of Arezzo and Siena. By evening, only light snow was expected in the Mugello and along the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with conditions improving elsewhere.

No major emergencies were reported by midday, but authorities continued to monitor the situation and advised residents and visitors to check road conditions before travelling.

(Cover photo: snow in San Gimignano. Source: frame from a video by Meteo Siena 24)

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