Torrential Rainstorm Floods Rome, Italy

Police have rescued people trapped in low-lying apartments and in their cars as a torrential rainstorm caused flash floods across Rome and blocked thousands of commuters from reaching their workplaces.

Italian authorities said they received more than 5,000 calls for help Thursday during the storm that hit during the morning rush hour. Trees were felled, subways were flooded and some roads crumbled.

Private schools in Rome urged parents to keep their children home for the day, saying classrooms were flooded and roads near schools impassable.