Good morning, Pistoia. Here are six verified developments for Friday, August 21. Overlapping reports have been consolidated and subjects covered in yesterday’s briefing have been excluded.
1. Storm damage across Pistoia and Valdinievole as orange alert continues
Residents are waking to widespread disruption after Thursday evening’s violent storms. In Pistoia, falling trees forced the closure of Via Fiorentina and power cuts were reported in several districts. Valdinievole was also hit hard: trees fell around Montecatini, Viale Bustichini was interrupted, and about 200 metres of wall collapsed beside Pescia’s Stadio dei Fiori. The orange alert for strong thunderstorms remains in force until 6 p.m. today, with further intense rain, lightning, hail and strong wind possible before conditions gradually improve. Avoid wooded areas and flooded roads, and verify local closures before travelling. Source: La Nazione weather live report, updated August 20.
2. Fuel prices move back above €2 per litre
Petrol and diesel prices have risen sharply since the Ferragosto period. Data cited from the national fuel-price observatory put average self-service petrol at about €2 per litre in Tuscany and diesel at roughly €2.10; on motorways, a 50-litre fill can cost around €104 for petrol and more than €109 for diesel. Drivers can compare nearby stations through the ministry’s Osservaprezzi service, as price differences may exceed €10 for a full tank. Source: La Nazione, August 20.
3. San Bartolomeo celebrations bring traffic changes and free museum entry
Pistoia’s traditional festival for San Bartolomeo, patron saint of children, takes place on Sunday and Monday in and around Piazza San Bartolomeo. Religious services, individual blessings, children’s entertainment and stalls selling toys, sweets and the traditional biscuit “crown” are planned. Traffic and parking restrictions begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday and continue until 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the square and adjoining streets. On Monday, the Civic Museums will open free of charge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sources: Comune di Pistoia and Report Pistoia.
4. Pistoiese prepares for its first competitive fixture
Mayor Giovanni Capecchi visited the full FC Pistoiese staff at Stadio Marcello Melani, describing the club as a social and sporting asset for the city. The team’s official season begins at home on Sunday, August 30 at 4 p.m. against Scandicci in the opening round of the Serie D Coppa Italia. The league campaign starts at the Melani one week later, on September 6 at 3 p.m., against Solbiatese. Source: Report Pistoia, August 19.
5. Pracchia hosts a free book presentation this afternoon
The “Un treno per un libro” programme continues today with Margherita Papi presenting Una margherita del 1930, memorie. The memoir follows her life from childhood in Corsica and arrival in Italy as a wartime refugee through the social changes of the post-war period. A village walk is available at 3 p.m.; the presentation runs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Pro Loco in Via Nazionale 55, Pracchia. Admission is free. Source: Comune di Pistoia.
6. Montecatini’s historic Grand Prix returns on Saturday
The Sesana racecourse stages the 74th Gran Premio Città di Montecatini on Saturday. Defending champion Ernesto Spritz returns after last year’s surprise victory, with trainer Andrea Sarzetto targeting the race after a planned two-month preparation period. The meeting remains one of Valdinievole’s most established summer sporting appointments. Spectators should check the racecourse’s final timetable and any weather-related updates before setting out. Source: La Nazione – Montecatini.
This original English briefing was compiled from local reporting and official information available on the morning of August 21, 2026. Conditions and service arrangements may change during the weather alert; follow municipal and civil-protection channels for live updates.