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

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

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