Rome, January 6, 2026 – The Aniene River, a major waterway flowing through Rome and its province, has overflowed its banks in multiple locations, prompting an orange weather alert for the Lazio region. The severe weather, which began over the weekend, has led to the closure of the Tiber River’s central city embankments and heightened concerns for other local rivers, including the Almone and the Aniene.
Aniene River: Critical Situation and Evacuations
The Aniene River is under constant surveillance, particularly in areas lacking floodplains. As of Tuesday, January 6, the river has overflowed in Tor Cervara (IV Municipality Tiburtino) and San Vittorino (VI Municipality delle Torri). The situation is also critical in the province of Rome, with the river impacting several municipalities, including Tivoli.
According to the Tivoli municipal administration, the rising water levels of the Aniene are causing secondary ditches to overflow, such as the San Vittorino ditch in the A24 area near the Tivoli toll booth. While currently affecting only uncultivated fields and the ditch on Via Vincenzo Bellini, the situation remains precarious. Other secondary ditches, including Fosso San Gregorio, Fosso Empiglione, Fosso delle Prata, and Fosso San Pastore, are also experiencing high water levels, though they remain within their channels for now. The ongoing precipitation is expected to exacerbate the situation.
Specifically, the river has overflowed in Pontelucano (Plauzi), leading to the evacuation of residents from Borgo Santo Spirito, as confirmed by volunteers from the Valel dell’Aniene Civil Protection.
Orange Weather Alert for Lazio
The Civil Protection Department has upgraded the weather alert for Lazio from yellow to orange, effective from Monday afternoon, January 5, 2026, and for the subsequent 24-36 hours. Widespread and scattered precipitation, including showers and thunderstorms, are anticipated, with moderate cumulative rainfall. [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS705791)
The Rome Civil Protection has previously closed access to the Tiber River’s embankments due to rising water levels following heavy rains. [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS690014) [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS689955)
Official Statements and Monitoring Efforts
Giuseppe Napolitano, director of the Civil Protection, stated that while the situation is not causing immediate alarm, crisis units are on high alert. Continuous monitoring of the Aniene River is underway, particularly in vulnerable sections.
The Civil Protection of Rome Capital is actively managing the situation, with the Municipal Operations Center (COC) and Local Command Units (UCL) convened. Representatives from the Local Police, the Department of Infrastructure Development and Urban Maintenance (SIMU), and public service companies are involved in the response efforts. [comune.roma.it](https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/informazione-di-servizio.page?contentId=IDS705791)
For any clarifications, information, or intervention requests, citizens can contact the Rome Capital Civil Protection Operations Room, active 24/7, at the toll-free number 800 854 854 or 06 67109200.
Source: RomaToday, Tivoli Municipal Administration, Civil Protection of Rome Capital
