Orange weather alert: parks to close and tram stop suspended in Florence

Florence is preparing for a spell of severe weather expected from Thursday evening August 20, with parks and regulated-access gardens set to close, riverside cycle paths along the Arno shut down and the Cascine stop on tram line T1 temporarily suspended.

The measures will take effect at 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, when the weather alert for severe thunderstorms and hydrogeological and hydraulic risks affecting smaller waterways will be upgraded from yellow to orange. They are currently due to remain in force until 6 p.m. on Friday, August 21. Municipal cemeteries will also be closed.

An ordinance signed by Mayor Sara Funaro bans all outdoor activities in parks, gardens, green areas and riverside cycle paths along the Arno for the duration of the orange alert.

Markets, shows, entertainment activities and attractions using temporary or mobile equipment will also be prohibited in public parks, gardens and other green areas.

Residents are advised not to visit green spaces that remain freely accessible. If the orange alert is extended, the restrictions will remain in place until the new deadline announced by Tuscany’s Regional Functional Centre.

The measures were introduced ahead of thunderstorms that could be severe and locally persistent, with the possibility of strong wind gusts and hail.

Florence’s Civil Protection service is urging residents and visitors to follow updates through the city’s official channels and comply with safety instructions until the alert has ended.

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