Severe storm floods Rome streets and halts traffic across the city

Friday’s intense storm brought torrential rain, hail and gusty winds to multiple areas of Rome, initially affecting the west and north and later moving into the historic centre and southern districts. The heaviest precipitation fell between Balduina and Prati, as well as around Monte Mario and near the Piazzale Clodio courthouse. Motorcyclists reported half-metre-deep water beneath the Olimpica bridge, and vehicles were seen stranded in water on Corso Francia.

Within thirty minutes, floodwaters had immobilised traffic on several main arteries, including sections of Via Cristoforo Colombo and the Grande Raccordo Anulare. Dozens of fire-fighter and local-police teams responded, clearing flooded tunnels and removing fallen branches, while three students suffered minor injuries after a tree limb struck the Avogadro Scientific High School on Via Brenta. Italian meteorologists linked the extreme conditions to a low-pressure system crossing central Italy.