A few recent events over Northern Italy, including the event of November 4-6th, 1994 are analysed by means of the available satellite-borne monitoring devices. The use of remote sensing techniques provides that `far- from-the-object' perspective that proves extremely useful in many hydrological applications. The information content of geosynchronous satellite data is investigated in the paper with specific reference to image sequences as provided by the radiometer borne on the ESA-Meteosat platform in the thermal infrared band. Further useful information is derived from ERS-1 / SAR images and from the passive microwave sensors presently flying on two spacecraft of the NASA DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Programme). The role of each source of information is discussed in the integrated use of multisensor produced data.