Italy Floods As Winter Olympics Continue In Milan

Severe weather disrupts Olympic events in northern Italy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Flooding and severe storms have hit northern Italy, including the Milan area, as the 2026 Winter Olympics continue. The extreme weather has caused disruptions to some Olympic events and has led to evacuations in the region.

Why it matters

The Winter Olympics are a major global event, and any disruptions due to severe weather can have significant impacts on the games, athletes, and spectators. The flooding in northern Italy also highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change.

The details

Heavy rains and flooding have hit the Milan area, where many of the 2026 Winter Olympics events are taking place. Several Olympic venues have been impacted, leading to the postponement or relocation of some events. Authorities have also ordered evacuations in some low-lying areas due to the rising floodwaters.

  • The severe weather began impacting the Milan area on February 14, 2026, as the Winter Olympics were underway.
  • Olympic events have been disrupted since the start of the severe weather on February 14th.

The players

2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6-22, 2026.

Milan

Milan is one of the host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics, located in northern Italy.

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What they’re saying

“The safety of the athletes and spectators is our top priority. We are working closely with local authorities to address the weather-related challenges and ensure the games can continue as smoothly as possible.”

— Mario Pescante, IOC Coordination Commission Chair for the 2026 Winter Olympics (IOC Press Release)

What’s next

Organizers will continue to monitor the weather conditions and make any necessary adjustments to the Olympic schedule. Authorities are also working to address the flooding and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.

The takeaway

The severe weather disruptions to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy highlight the growing threat that climate change poses to major global events. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, event organizers will need to be increasingly prepared to adapt and ensure the safety of athletes and spectators.