Violent Waterspouts Move Ashore in Western Sicily
A severe weather system struck western Sicily on Friday, October 9, 2026, when a pair of waterspouts formed over the Mediterranean and moved inland as a destructive tornado. Footage shared by Express captured the terrifying moment the rotating columns swept ashore near Petrosino and the historic Lilybaeum harbour in Marsala, leaving streets covered in dust and debris.
According to reports from Fakti citing the Bulgarian National Radio and Italian authorities, the system caused widespread destruction to buildings, vehicles, crops, trees, and power lines across the Trapani province. Local residents described scenes of absolute chaos as fierce winds overturned cars and ripped through neighbourhoods.
School Building Damaged and Vehicle Rescues
The severe weather heavily impacted the Alcide De Gasperi School in Marsala, where windows were smashed, door frames ripped away, and classroom materials scattered. Staff successfully evacuated students before the worst of the storm hit, though reports on casualties and evacuations varied among official agencies. The Italian Civil Protection Service reported that around 300 students were evacuated, while local media and hospital figures indicated that multiple children and adults suffered minor injuries and abrasions.
In a separate incident near Petrosino, a vehicle carrying two people was hurled off the road into a ravine by the intense gusts. According to Fakti, the occupants were seriously injured and urgently transported for medical care. Meanwhile, the Italian news agency ANSA reported that local emergency departments treated several other individuals for cuts and bruises sustained during the storm.
Meteorological Context and Ongoing Assessments
Meteorologists pointed to the extraordinary intensity of the weather phenomenon. Specialist Federico Brescia noted that the event will likely remain notable in Italian meteorological history due to its exceptional power, as reported by Fakti. Similar waterspouts were also spotted near the nearby island of Favignana, though those remained offshore and did not cause damage.
Emergency crews and municipal authorities in Marsala and Petrosino continue to assess structural damage to homes, agricultural plots, and local road infrastructure while clearing debris from affected streets.