Two storm columns struck Marsala and nearby Petrosino on Friday, injuring dozens and damaging buildings, vehicles and farmland.
The columns took shape offshore near Marsala’s port, then came ashore and moved inland towards the surrounding Trapani area.
Two descriptions of the same event
Tornadoes
Marsala
- Two tornadoes struck the coastal town
- The columns damaged buildings and overturned cars
Double waterspout
Marsala coast
- A rare double waterspout reached the coast
- The system then moved inland over buildings, vehicles and farmland
An account said on Friday that the event occurred on 9 October. The formations were variously called tornadoes or a double waterspout, but both approached from the sea before reaching land.
Dozens of people were reported injured after flying debris and shattered glass struck them. At least 11 were taken to hospital.
A 70-year-old man was among the most seriously injured. It was said that he had been admitted to Mazara del Vallo hospital in critical condition with several fractures.
The storm also hit a school, where six children suffered minor cuts and abrasions. All 273 pupils inside the building were evacuated safely.
Damage spread across the coast
The Alcide De Gasperi school in the Terrenove district suffered severe damage. Windows were shattered, while desks and chairs were overturned, according to drone footage of the aftermath.
In nearby Petrosino, a tornado struck a car and threw it into a ravine. Both people inside were injured and taken to hospital.
The extreme weather left damage across the coastal area, including buildings, vehicles and farmland. Emergency services responded to the aftermath.
Videos circulating on Friday showed two waterspouts advancing from the sea towards the Sicilian town while people prepared for them. Other footage filmed from the Biscione seafront in Petrosino, near Sibiliana, showed a tornado moving towards the mainland.
The event followed intense regional weather
The system formed as north Africa faced intense heat and the Mediterranean's waters were unusually warm. In recent years, a rare Mediterranean storm known as a medicane, with hurricane-like characteristics, has prompted people in southern Italy to prepare for its arrival.
Such storms can generate gusts of more than 60 miles an hour and waves five metres high. Scientists have warned that rising sea temperatures, driven by the climate emergency, may provide powerful storms in the region with more energy.
The supplied reports do not establish whether those conditions caused the storm columns that struck Marsala and Petrosino.
What we know
- The columns formed near Marsala’s port and reached land.
- At least 11 people were taken to hospital.
- All 273 pupils inside the school were evacuated safely.
- Emergency services responded across the damaged coastal area.
Still unclear
- The exact number of people injured beyond dozens and the 11 taken to hospital.
- The full extent of damage across the Trapani area.
- Whether authorities officially classify the columns as tornadoes or waterspouts.
- Any statement from authorities, emergency services or local officials about next steps.
A fuller injury count and assessment of damage to buildings, vehicles and farmland are still needed after the emergency response.
