# Extreme rainfall and flooding in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-rainfall-and-flooding-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-09-20T06:00:56.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Italy has experienced episodes of severe flash flooding caused by intense, concentrated rainfall in different regions.

In Pulsano, Puglia, extreme rainfall of 45.5 mm caused significant damage to local businesses and residents. While local official Francesco Luongo noted that the drainage network allowed water to recede relatively quickly, opposition member Angelo Di Lena criticized the regional government, calling for structural interventions and more funding to address the territory’s fragility.

In Tuscany, weather events have caused widespread disruption. In Empoli, a meteorological event involving approximately 43 mm of rain within thirty minutes previously flooded the historic center and the Ponzano district. On September 17, 2026, a more severe storm saw up to 75 mm of rain fall within a single hour, flooding garages, shops, and streets. Emergency services were deployed to rescue motorists from submerged underpasses and to respond to fires caused by electrical short circuits.

In Florence, intense rainfall exceeding 45 mm per hour led to water infiltration at the Uffizi Gallery. Water entered through a skylight in a room housing seven 17th-century paintings, including Caravaggio’s ‘Bacchus’. While the artwork remained undamaged due to its protective glass casing, some reports noted the painting appeared ‘clouded with water streaks’. The affected room was temporarily closed for inspections.

Flooding also impacted the Pitti Palace, specifically the Palatine Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, necessitating the closure of certain exhibition spaces. These incidents have highlighted the challenges of preserving Italy’s cultural heritage against extreme weather. Other Tuscan areas, including Massa, Carrara, and Viareggio, also reported flooding. The Civil Protection agency issued a yellow alert for several regions, including Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, and Marche, due to ongoing hydrogeological instability risks.

## Claims

- Empoli experienced 43 mm of rainfall within a thirty-minute period. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Rainfall in Empoli reached up to 75 mm in one hour. (disputed by 2 sources)
- No damage was caused to any artworks following the water infiltration. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Water infiltrated through a skylight and splashed the external protective glass of Caravaggio’s Bacchus. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- A yellow weather alert was issued for several Italian regions including Tuscany, Lazio, and Lombardy. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Confcommercio Empolese is calling for structural interventions to protect businesses from recurring flooding. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace affected by flooding in Florence

Heavy flooding in Florence has affected the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace. Caravaggio’s ‘Bacchus’ was protected by its display case after rain leaked through a roof window, avoiding direct damage.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uffizi-gallery-and-pitti-palace-affected-by-flooding-in-florence

### 2026-09-17: Tuscany storms cause flooding in Empoli and Uffizi Gallery infiltration

Heavy storms in Tuscany caused flooding in Empoli and water infiltration at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Caravaggio’s ‘Bacchus’ was protected by its casing and sustained no damage.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empoli-hit-by-severe-flash-flooding-after-intense-rainfall

### 2026-08-19: Pulsano experiences severe flooding following extreme rainfall

Extreme rainfall in Pulsano, Italy, caused flooding and commercial damage. Local officials highlighted rapid drainage, while opposition leaders demanded structural improvements and more regional funding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pulsano-experiences-severe-flooding-following-extreme-rainfall

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Cite as: Extreme rainfall and flooding in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-rainfall-and-flooding-in-italy