Tornado hits western Sicily — two seriously injured, vehicles overturned

A powerful tornado struck the western coast of Sicily today, leaving two people seriously injured, several buildings damaged and multiple vehicles overturned, local authorities reported.

Damage concentrated in three towns

The worst destruction was recorded in the towns of Marsala, Petrosino and Mazara del Vallo, where roofs, facades and parked cars were ripped or blown over by the storm. Emergency crews worked at multiple scenes to free trapped occupants and secure unstable structures.

Salvatore Cocina, head of the Civil Protection of Sicily, described the event as unusually strong for the region. He said, "It was almost like an American tornado, no one remembers anything like this."

Authorities noted that the regional civil protection had warned as early as September about a higher risk of extreme weather this autumn, citing "the accumulated heat in the sea after an exceptionally hot summer" as a contributing factor.

Warnings for dangerous weather on Sicily remain in effect for tomorrow as meteorological services continue to monitor the situation and issue local advisories.

Rescue and recovery operations continued into the evening. Local officials urged residents in affected areas to avoid damaged buildings and follow instructions from emergency services while damage assessments and clean-up proceed.

Photo: press material from the event