Italy was hit by violent storms today with the capital Rome put on red alert with heavy rain expected to fall in the next 24 hours.

Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in Carrara, Tuscany on Wednesday as heavy rains flooded areas after the river Carrione broke its banks.

Eight people were winched to safety by a coast guard helicopter after becoming trapped in floodwater.

In Rome, schools were closed for the day and people were asked to leave their homes only for work and emergencies.

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