Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc across Tuscany on March 14, 2025, prompting authorities to issue red weather alerts and leading to severe flooding throughout the region. With the area saturated by nearly 60 millimeters of rain falling within mere hours, the situation has become dire, particularly around the cities of Florence, Pisa, and Vicchio.
By 20:50 on March 14, the Arno River had peaked at 4.29 meters at the Uffizi hydrometer, surpassing the first alert level of 3 meters yet remaining below the second alert level of 5.5 meters. The regional civil protection department reported the river’s flow rate at 1,466 cubic meters per second. Following this peak, high water levels were recorded elsewhere, including at Ponte a Signa at 8.5 meters, Empoli at 5.2 meters, and Fucecchio reaching 5.7 meters.
Sara Funaro, the mayor of Florence, assured residents during updates via social media, stating, “The Arno has surpassed 4 meters, but luckily we are well below the second alert level, which is 5.5 meters. The situation is being closely monitored.” Despite the alarming water levels, Funaro emphasized the importance of following official communications to counter misinformation circulating within the community.
The heavy rains prompted the activation of flood prevention measures, with the civil protection agency deploying expansion tanks along the Ombrone Pistoiese River and activation of the flood channel at the Roffia basin near San Miniato, aimed at reducing peak water levels. Concurrently, local authorities implemented preventative measures including the closure of schools, parks, and public gatherings to mitigate risks to public safety.
By March 15, Sesto Fiorentino Western Tuscany had declared total closures until at least 14:00, involving schools, commercial operations, and public facilities. The mayor condemned the severe flooding experienced at the epicenter of the storm, stating, “We are facing significant challenges.” Reports indicated waters had risen to 40 centimeters within Piazza del Mercato, causing damage to homes and businesses alike.
The situation extended beyond Florence. Across the province, significant flooding has been reported including areas around Pisa where authorities prepared for anticipated flood peaks. The mayor of Pisa, Michele Conti, stated, “The peak of the flood is expected to pass between 17:00 and 19:00, and we remain on high alert.” Evacuations were also carried out across municipalities, including Montopoli Valdarno, where approximately 30 residents were displaced due to rising water levels.
Regional authorities activated contingency plans, with the Florentine Province experiencing numerous road closures such as the SR 302 through Borgo San Lorenzo and others, compounded by landslides and fallen trees making travel treacherous. Transport services were severely disrupted, with railway services between Florence and Borgo San Lorenzo suspended for safety reasons. Enhanced services were initiated to provide support for those affected by the flooding.
Not only were human environments impacted; the agricultural sector faced overwhelming threats of damage due to rising river levels. Farmers reported livestock trapped and at risk as rising waters engulfed their pastures. Coldiretti organization confirmed efforts to rescue dozens of cattle from flooded farms, especially at risk near the Sieve river.
Premier Giorgia Meloni addressed the citizens via social media, expressing “solidarity with those affected by the severe weather and assuring support from the government for all necessary assistance.” She emphasized the collaborative efforts underway to address the crisis, highlighting the dedication of emergency response teams.
Throughout Tuscany, communities braced for continued rain through the weekend, with meteorological predictions indicating sustained precipitation would likely persist until at least March 15, prompting the Civil Protection to urge residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize.
By the end of March 14, urban centers across Tuscany had recorded varying levels of emergency response with continuous high alert. Efforts to combat the floods included the implementation of online support channels by municipalities to pool community resources for those requiring assistance with flood response and recovery. Residents were reminded to document any storm-related damages to facilitate recovery measures.
The situation remains fluid with continuous monitoring underway, as citizens and officials work to navigate the aftermath of this torrential storm.