Torrential rain, hail, wind and an exceptional concentration of lightning have struck northern and parts of central Italy. Lombardy and Liguria were among the worst affected, with disruption also reported in Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. The consequences extend well beyond the weather itself: flooding, landslides, evacuations and broken transport links turned a summer storm system into a widespread emergency.
An emergency spread across several regions
Fire and rescue services carried out around one thousand operations involving rescues, damaged trees and structures, landslides and flooding. More than 350 people were evacuated in Lombardy alone. Roads, bridges and railway lines were restricted or interrupted; in Valcamonica, the collapse of the bridge at Sonico became one of the clearest images of infrastructure vulnerability during such concentrated events.
The picture on 22 August
The most intense phase is easing, but alerts and residual thunderstorms remain in several areas. The country is sharply divided: below-average temperatures in parts of the north and persistent heat across central and southern regions. A single national description is therefore misleading; conditions must be checked municipality by municipality and along the actual travel route.
“A general alert describes the risk; the practical decision depends on the location, timing and local road conditions.”
What to check before travelling
Before setting out, check Civil Protection bulletins, municipal notices, road or rail conditions and updates from the transport operator. During intense rain, avoid underpasses, basements, riverbanks, watercourses and roads already covered by water. If a service is cancelled, retain the operator’s communications and receipts for additional expenses.
Weather event and climate change
Directly attributing a single storm to climate change requires a specific scientific analysis. It is nevertheless clear that intense, concentrated events place cities, slopes and infrastructure under severe pressure, making prevention, maintenance and warning systems essential. The Note will update this page as further official information becomes available.
Sources & right of reply
Updated on 22 August 2026 using reports from ANSA and Sky TG24 together with information issued by local authorities. Figures may change as emergency operations continue.
ANSA · Sky TG24 · Repubblica
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