Italy flooding
Flooding in Gargano, Italy posted on Twitter.

September can be a beautiful time to visit southern Europe but this week has seen torrential downpours and flash flooding.

A large mass of low pressure has produced heavy rain from Spain into Turkey.

Southern Italy has seen severe flooding, with the Foggia region particularly hit hard.

At least 6,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes while fire crews were kept busy rescuing stranded motorists.

Rainfall totals have been substantial for the region. Over the last 48 hours, San Marco in Lamis has received 380 millimeters (mm) of rain.


Conditions have not been any better further east.

Strong hail and rain was reported across the Balkans. As much as 200 mm fell over 24 hours across Croatia's Dalmatian coast. That's 3 months' worth of rainfall for this time of year.

The region has been plagued by flooding this summer.

High water levels caused over 2,000 landslides across the Balkans. Over 60 people were killed while damage was measured in the billions of dollars.

Friday should see a relief in the weather but isolated thunderstorms are still possible.