Tornado strikes Cremona: cathedral and town-hall damaged
On August 28, 2026 a tornado with hail and strong winds damaged Cremona’s cathedral and municipal tower; firefighters are working at the scene.
A tornado accompanied by hail and strong winds struck the northern Italian city of Cremona on August 28, 2026, damaging the city cathedral and the municipal town-hall building, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Emergency crews said the roof structure of one of the cathedral's spires collapsed, and the roof of the town tower on the municipal building also suffered severe damage. Firefighters remain on the scene conducting interventions to secure the area and assess risks.
Historic tower hit
Authorities noted the town tower had been the only remaining part of an older municipal palace; the current municipal building was built in 1206 on the site of that earlier structure. The damage to the tower raises concerns about the stability of adjacent heritage fabric.
Video shared on social networks captured the storm's force. A post by the account Italia 24H Live – Notizie dall'Italia included the statement: "Several damages reported in these minutes in Cremona due to the passage of the thunderstorm supercell." The post also noted: "Video by Claudio Gerelli. Second video by Anna Carlotta, for 'Tornado in Italia', from the Cremona Fiere area."
Local authorities are continuing inspections of public buildings and streets to identify unsafe structures and clear debris. No official casualty figures have been released so far.
Officials urged residents to avoid damaged zones and follow instructions from emergency services while recovery and repairs are planned in the coming days.
Photo: Skrinshot / Iks / Italia 24H Live/ Klaudio Gereli, Ana Karlot
