[REVISION HISTORY]

Extreme rainfall and flooding in Italy

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2026-09-18 19:45 UTC → 2026-09-21 07:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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’. ~~Authorities confirmed~~ While the artwork remained undamaged due to its protective glass casing, ~~though~~ 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 and traffic disruptions.~~ flooding. The Civil Protection agency issued a yellow alert for several regions, including Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, and Marche, due to ongoing hydrogeological instability risks.

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