Italy hit by severe flooding and extreme weather

Severe weather events across Italy in September 2026 have caused significant disruption, flooding, and fatalities. A massive Atlantic disturbance impacted the central and northern regions before moving south, characterized by extreme meteorological intensity.

In Tuscany, over 63,000 lightning strikes were recorded within 12 hours, with Grosseto receiving 115mm of rain, leading to flooded underpasses and a tragic fatality. The North-East, including Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto, saw torrential rains submerge areas such as Lignano Sabbiadoro, Latisana, Caorle, and Bibione. In Milan, violent storms caused widespread flooding and damage to protective panels, while Liguria faced overflowing torrents.

In Emilia-Romagna, Civil Protection issued orange alerts as heavy rains hit agricultural areas previously weakened by drought. Experts link the violence of these storms to record-high Mediterranean Sea temperatures, which provide the thermal energy necessary to intensify atmospheric disturbances.