Twin waterspouts slammed into western Sicily on Friday, flipping cars and damaging dozens of buildings.

Rare twin waterspouts hit Sicily

According to Euronews, the phenomenon began as a double waterspout off the coast of Marsala in the province of Trapani. Such vortexes are extremely uncommon in the Mediterranean, where tornado‑like events are usually confined to brief, weak gusts.

Meteorologists said the two funnels merged before moving inland, travelling an estimated 15 kilometres before dissipating near the town of Salemi. No official death toll has been released, and early reports suggest no fatalities, though several injuries have been recorded.

Damage on the ground

Residents described streets littered with twisted metal as the waterspouts ripped through the area. In Marsala, a line of cars was found overturned on the main thoroughfare, some with roofs torn off. Nearby shops suffered shattered windows and roof tiles torn away, leaving exposed interiors.

In the historic centre of Salemi, several stone façades cracked, and a small bakery’s chimney collapsed onto the sidewalk. "The wind felt like a freight train," one eyewitness told Euronews, adding that the roar of the vortex drowned out even the sirens.

overturned car on Sicilian road after waterspout

Emergency services respond

Local fire brigades, the Carabinieri and civil protection units were dispatched within minutes. Temporary shelters were set up in the town hall of Marsala, offering food and blankets to displaced families.

The regional government announced an emergency fund of €2 million to assist with immediate repairs, while the Italian Ministry of the Interior pledged additional resources for debris clearance.

Broader context and outlook

Tornadoes are a rarity in Italy; the last comparable event occurred in 2015 in the Apulia region, according to the European Severe Storms Laboratory. Climate experts note that warming sea temperatures can increase the likelihood of such extreme convective storms, though they caution that a single event does not prove a trend.

Authorities are monitoring weather forecasts for any further severe weather this week. Residents are urged to stay alert, secure loose objects and follow instructions from civil protection officials.