Italian towns set new European records for rainfall

Rossiglione receives 740.6mm of rain in 12 hours, while 496mm falls over Cairo Montenotte in six hours

Torrential thunderstorms in Italy have set new European rainfall records, with a colossal 740.6mm (29in) of rain falling in just 12 hours over Rossiglione in Genoa on 4 October. In another record, set 20 miles west, Cairo Montenotte received a 496mm deluge in just six hours.

Above average temperatures, rich moisture-laden Mediterranean air and an advancing low pressure system aided spectacular thunderstorm development over large parts of Italy. The staggering rainfall amounts caused landslides, damage to fields and blocked roads.