The Arno river, which runs through Florence and Pisa, is prone to flooding in spring and fall. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Florence, Pisa on flood alert as heavy rain closes museums and roads - Residents have been evacuated as several major rivers threaten to burst their banks

ROME (AP) — Heavy rains hit the Italian regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna on Friday, pushing the main rivers in the regions above alert levels for flooding. In the central Tuscany region, schools remained closed in several cities, including Florence, where the local administration closed museums, cinemas and theatres.

Florence and Pisa have overcome the critical phase of bad weather, but the red alert remains active in several provinces of Tuscany. Red alert also in Emilia Romagna

There has been flooding and landslides in parts of northern Italy as red alerts cover cities including Florence and Pisa. Torrential rain prompted the alerts for parts of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, with heavy and persistent rainfall expected into the afternoon on Friday.

Romagna, with the Arno threatening to flood in Florence and Pisa. Schools closed, lower floors in the riverbed evacuated as a precaution. Problems on roads and railways

Italian authorities ordered dozens of people in Tuscany to leave their homes Friday after heavy rains swelled rivers and flooded streets near the historic cities of Florence and Pisa.

Heavy rain swelled rivers and flooded streets in an area near Florence on Friday, with authorities issuing a red weather alert for the historic Italian city and its surroundings and urging residents to stay indoors.