Violent Rainstorm Hits Florence

After a total lack of precipitation since May, the heat wave in Florence broke at 2 pm on August 10 with the arrival of a cool front that caused a brief storm that brought strong winds and rain. Trees were uprooted in viale Corsica, the tram stopped running because of a blackout and the San Gaggio neighborhood was without electricity for over five hours.

As a security precaution, the Cupola and Belltower of the cathedral were closed to visitors.

Darkness descended on Florence during the storm, and it seemed to be nightfall. Light returned only gradually.  To see striking images of the city during the event, see a photo gallery on Florence’s La Repubblica news site.