Torrential rain hit Rome and other central and southern parts as a fierce thunderstorm unloaded onto the Italian capital after a weather front ended Italy's long heatwave Tuesday.
Many parts of Rome were flooded, and several trees blown down by gale-force winds.
Streets and underpasses were turned into rivers and a fierce wind blew down Jubilee work fences as well as bar chairs and tables across the city.
Much of the water bomb exploded over the historic centre, and St Peter's was not spared.
A thunderstorm and hail alert is in force in much of the north Wednesday.
A wave of bad weather from Greenland is then expected to last from Thursday 5 of September to Thursday 12, forecasters said Tuesday.
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