Heavy rain, thunderstorms hit parts of Italy amid power outages, evacuations

Italy is grappling with a dramatic shift in weather as violent storms sweep across the country, unleashing heavy rain and thunderstorms after weeks of scorching heat. The deluge has triggered landslides and flash flooding across several regions, forcing authorities to evacuate residents and tourists while causing significant infrastructure damage.

Northern Italy hit hardest

In Lombardy's Brembana Valley, a campsite housing 250 tourists was evacuated Thursday evening as flash floods swept through the area, according to public broadcaster Rai News. The neighbouring Brescia region also suffered extensive damage when a landslide destroyed a bridge over the Val Rabbia stream, prompting the evacuation of 81 people. Authorities were forced to close the Aurelia motorway in the Savona area, near the Quiliano stream crossing, as floodwaters compromised road safety.

Tuscany's lightning storm

Central Italy's Tuscany region experienced an extraordinary meteorological event, with approximately 8,000 lightning strikes recorded within just two hours. The intense electrical activity caused widespread power outages affecting an estimated 6,000 residents. An orange weather alert was issued at 3:00 am local time for central and eastern Liguria, with authorities reporting the first disruptions from heavy downpours.

Landslides and debris flows

In Trentino, a 2-metre-high mudslide and debris flow descended from Malga Bedole in the Genova Valley, highlighting the dangerous conditions prevailing across the mountainous regions. The extreme weather follows an extended period of intense heat that had parched the Italian peninsula, making the sudden transition to heavy rainfall particularly hazardous. Italy's civil protection authorities continue to monitor the situation as further storms are forecast in the coming days.