Heavy rains has hit the northern Italian regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, pushing the main rivers in the regions above alert levels for floodings.

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

Romagna, with the Arno threatening to flood in Florence and Pisa. Schools closed, lower floors in the riverbed evacuated as a precaution. Problems on roads and railways

Flooding and landslides have been reported in parts of northern Italy amid red weather alerts affecting cities including Florence and Pisa. Torrential rain prompted the alert for parts of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, with heavy and persistent rainfall expected into the afternoon on Friday.

Florence and Pisa have overcome the critical phase of bad weather, but the red alert remains active in several provinces of Tuscany. Red alert also in Emilia Romagna

Italian authorities ordered dozens of people in Tuscany to leave their homes on Friday after heavy rains swelled rivers and flooded streets near the historic cities of Florence and Pisa.

Torrential rain has triggered flooding and landslides in Northern Italy. Local authorities have issued a 'Red Alert' for parts of the country including Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. The city of Florence received almost a month's worth of rain on Friday morning and landslides were reported in Bologna.