The forecast for thunderstorms in Milan remains in effect until early tomorrow afternoon and will likely extend into Saturday morning. Thus far, the city has recorded between 30 and 40 mm of rainfall, with the nearby town of Busto Arsizio receiving up to 100 mm.
There have been isolated instances of street flooding across the city. According to Marco Granelli, Milan’s Councilor for Civil Protection, all underpasses remain operational with one exception: Viale Rubicone and Negrotto were closed for approximately 30 minutes to allow pumping systems to drain water accumulated during the most intense downpours.
At 4:15 PM, the Seveso basin was activated to contain a flood surge and prevent the river from overflowing into city neighborhoods. “This is the ninth time since the start of 2024 that the basin has saved Milan from flooding,” explained Granelli.
He also reported that the Lambro River is rising. Authorities are monitoring water levels to determine if an evacuation of the Parco communities will be necessary. Mobile barriers have already been deployed at Ponte Lambro. A decision on whether to close the area will be based on water levels in the Vittorini street culvert and the Lambro River itself.