The water in the Tiber has reached danger levels for the first time in several decades because of heavy seasonal rain and snow along its basin. The water has reached 15 metres at Fidene (around 10 km north of the city centre) and a little over 11 metres at Via Ripetta, close to Piazza del Popolo. Meteorologists are warning that more rain is due before the end of the week, with the risk of extensive flooding. There are constant patrols along the river, with firemen clearing logs and debris to keep waters flowing as fast as possible. The homeless and several Rom encampments along the banks many with young children are in danger, in particular around Magliana south of the city centre and along the estuary close to the fishing town of Fiumicino.

Before the river embankments were built at the end of the 19th century, the Tiber used to flood into the city centre most years. The worst floods were recorded in 1870 when the water was several metres deep in Piazza Navona.