** A severe thunderstorm system unleashed approximately 5,000 lightning strikes within just one hour this morning along the northern-central Tuscan coast and the Tuscan Archipelago. Regional President Eugenio Giani reported the intense electrical activity via social media, noting the area is currently under the storm front.
President Giani further warned of the “possibility of strong, locally intense thunderstorms and wind gusts,” advising that storms are expected to subsequently move across the rest of Tuscany. He urged the public to exercise “maximum attention and prudence.”
In response to the severe weather threat, the Regional Civil Protection Agency has issued an orange-level alert (indicating moderate criticality) today for coastal areas and southern Tuscany. A lower yellow alert is in effect for central Tuscany and the northwestern zones.
Precautionary measures are widespread. Authorities in Carrara closed beaches, parks, and cemeteries this morning, suspending outdoor markets and events. Massa has similarly closed parks, cancelled outdoor events, and suspended bus services to river bathing areas and the Via Vandelli. Livorno has prohibited access to public gardens, cemeteries, and the dog pound.