Heavy Rain Causes Flooding on Elba Island

Heavy rain caused flooding and disruption on Elba Island, off the Tuscan coast, on Sunday, October 18, 2026 with the north-eastern village of Cavo among the worst-affected areas.

The downpour also affected Rio Marina, Bagnaia, Valle di Riale and Nisporto, according to local authorities and Tuscany’s regional president, Eugenio Giani.

In Cavo, part of the municipality of Rio in the province of Livorno, large amounts of rain fell in a short period, flooding streets along the seafront.

Rio’s deputy mayor, Mattia Guerrini, said that flooding had affected Kennedy seafront road, while the most significant disruption was reported along Vespucci seafront road, where several businesses are located.

Civil protection teams were mobilised immediately, including personnel who were off duty, to respond to the flooding and address the most urgent problems.

In Bagnaia, a coastal village on the island, a stream running through the settlement rose to warning level, raising concerns among residents.

Tuscany’s regional president, Eugenio Giani, shared images of the flooding on social media and confirmed that Cavo, Valle di Riale, Bagnaia and Nisporto had been affected. He also expressed concern for residents, families and businesses dealing with the consequences of the storm.

Yellow weather alert remains in force

A yellow weather alert for thunderstorms, which had already been in place since Saturday, remains in effect until 10 a.m. on Monday, October 19.

A yellow alert indicates potentially hazardous weather conditions that may cause localised flooding, disruption to transport and problems in areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, lies off the coast of the province of Livorno and is a popular destination for visitors. Its coastal villages and smaller watercourses can be particularly exposed to sudden, intense rainfall.

Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions following the storm.

❤️ Support Florence Daily News

If you liked this article, please consider supporting Florence Daily News.

We are an independent news site, free from paywalls and intrusive ads, committed to providing clear and reliable reporting on Florence and Tuscany for everyone.

Your support — whether a one-time gift or a regular contribution — helps us stay independent and keep telling the stories that matter.

Donate securely via Stripe below.