Tornadoes damage buildings and injure dozens in western Sicily

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  Tornadoes, described in reports as waterspouts, struck Marsala in western Sicily on Friday, 9 October 2026, damaging buildings, vehicles and farmland.

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  Reports said dozens of people were injured, though early accounts gave lower figures: Africanews first reported nine people treated, while the Guardian later said at least 11 had been taken to hospital.

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  A 70-year-old man was reported in critical condition with several fractures after being taken to hospital in Mazara del Vallo.

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  The Terrenove campus of Alcide De Gasperi school was badly damaged, including shattered windows and a collapsed gym wall; all 273 pupils inside were evacuated safely, according to the Guardian and Africanews.

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  ANSA reported that children had been moved to a safer area before the waterspout hit the school and that none were in the gym when it was struck.

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  The Guardian said the storm developed amid intense heat over north Africa and unusually warm Mediterranean waters, and noted that scientists warn rising sea temperatures can add energy to powerful regional storms.

Who

Residents of Marsala and nearby areas, including pupils and staff at Alcide De Gasperi school

What

Tornadoes or waterspouts caused injuries and damage to buildings, vehicles and farmland

When

Friday, 9 October 2026

Where

Marsala and nearby Petrosino in western Sicily, Italy

Why

The Guardian linked the weather system to intense heat over north Africa and unusually warm Mediterranean waters; a definitive cause was not stated.

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