The River Arno, a lifeline for Florence, dramatically overflowed its banks, unleashing a powerful surge of water that inundated several areas of the city. As recorded by the chronicler Giovanni Villani, the flood caused substantial destruction, sweeping away homes and damaging critical infrastructure. The inundation prompted panic among the populace, which struggled amidst rising waters.

Villani's chronicle reveals not only the immediate impact of the flood but also the catastrophic consequences it had on the civic life of Florence. The scale of destruction disrupted trade, leading to economic challenges for merchants and families alike. Additionally, the flood raised urgent questions about the management of the city’s waterways and the preparedness of Florence to deal with such natural disasters.

In subsequent days, the recovery efforts began, with citizens coming together to clear debris and assist those who had lost their homes. The event marked a significant moment for the city as it grappled with the forces of nature and their implications for urban planning and public safety. Villani's meticulous documentation of the flood would serve as a reference for future generations, offering insights into the challenges faced by cities in the medieval period.