Andrea Innocenti A new wave of heavy rains has prompted authorities to issue an orange alert in five regions of central and northern Italy: Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. A yellow alert is in effect in twelve other regions, including much of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania. The rainfall, concentrated in the last 48 hours, has already caused water levels in several rivers to rise, impacting infrastructure, transportation, and housing.
Rivers at the limit: Ombrone, Serchio, Bisenzio, and Arno are being monitored.
In the Tuscan basin, the flooding of the Ombrone Pistoiese , Bisenzio , and Serchio rivers has passed without causing any immediate emergencies, but monitoring remains active. The Arno River remains within reference parameters, although recent rains could cause rapid rises. Tuscany Region President Eugenio Giani announced via social media that there are currently no critical issues for the affected rivers, but urged caution until the water levels stabilize.
Civil Protection agencies continue to constantly monitor water levels to prevent possible flooding.
The Serchio River Bridge in Migliarino (PI) is closed.
Around midnight, the Municipality of Vecchiano closed the Aurelia state road bridge over the Serchio River in Migliarino due to high water levels that brought the water level close to the roadway.
The decision, coordinated with the Municipal Police, Carabinieri, and ANAS, was made to ensure the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. Similarly, the municipality of San Giuliano Terme closed the Pontasserchio bridge, where the flow rate is estimated at around 1.700 m³/s.
Brana flooding and other hydraulic emergencies
The Brana stream , in the Badia a Pacciana area (Pistoia province), has reached the second warning level , causing several homes to overflow. Authorities have temporarily closed the most affected roads and asked residents to limit their travel. Meanwhile, the Ombrone River in Pontelungo has exceeded the second warning level, while the Reno River in Pracchia (Pistoia) and the Pescia River in Collodi are also showing high levels. In Garfagnana, rainfall exceeded 400 mm in 36 hours, increasing the risk of further flooding.
Flooding in Valdinievole and Chiesina Uzzanese
The municipality of Chiesina Uzzanese reported flooding along the direction of Pescia, with the levels of smaller streams rising in the afternoon. Residents are advised to limit travel to essential needs, while the Civil Protection Department continues to monitor the situation continuously. Similar situations occurred in the Valdinievole, where water levels reached critical levels without causing major flooding.
Snow and closures in Trentino Alto Adige
In the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige, the night brought snowfall that covered areas above 2.000 meters, leaving the landscape blanketed in white. Temperatures dropped to -10°C at 3.000 meters, around the Dolomite passes. Due to these conditions, the Stelvio, Rombo, and Stalle passes were closed for the winter. Tourism operators are awaiting further snowfall to ensure the production of artificial snow and revive the ski season, just two weeks after the resorts reopened.
Landslides and road closures in Liguria
In the Genoa area, firefighters removed a landslide on Via Casanova in Manesseno (municipality of Sant'Olcese), which had isolated approximately twenty people. Another landslide in San Quirico di Rivarola (Carasco) forced the evacuation of a dozen residents, with the closure of Provincial Road 33 in the high-risk area. No injuries were reported, but restoration work is underway to reopen the road and limit further blockages.
The combination of torrential rains , river floods , and landslides has tested emergency management structures in numerous Italian regions. Authorities continue to closely monitor hydrometric data, close the most vulnerable infrastructure, and keep citizens informed through bulletins and official communications. The situation is evolving, and it is recommended to constantly monitor updates to ensure maximum safety in the coming hours.