Tornado Damages Marsala and Petrosino in Sicily Storm

A rare tornado struck western Sicily on Friday, damaging towns of Marsala and Petrosino, injuring residents and forcing emergency responses as the storm moved inland after forming as a waterspout over the sea, according to theweathernetwork.com, BBC and Euronews.

The storm began as a waterspout off the coast near Marsala before reaching land and traveling several kilometers inland toward Petrosino and Trapani, according to Euronews. Strong winds overturned vehicles and damaged buildings across the area.

BBC reported that two people were injured after the tornado hit Marsala and nearby Petrosino. The theweathernetwork.com also reported that several people were taken to hospital after the storm.

Euronews reported that a school campus at Alcide De Gasperi school in Marsala was among the hardest-hit locations. The report said 273 children inside were moved to safety and no serious injuries were recorded among pupils or employees.

In Petrosino, Euronews reported that a vehicle was swept into a ravine, injuring both occupants. Early reports cited by the outlet said nine people, including four children, received treatment for minor injuries at Marsala hospital.

Later accounts from Euronews placed the total number of treated people at 11, including two people transported to a hospital in nearby Mazara del Vallo. Emergency crews continued assessing damage to buildings, vehicles and farmland.

The theweathernetwork.com described the event as a tornadic waterspout, a tornado that forms over water before potentially moving onto land. The outlet said most organized tornado activity in Italy is typically centered in the northern Po Valley.

Historical records cited by theweathernetwork.com show several dozen tornado reports in Sicily since the 19th century. A destructive tornado struck Catania on Oct. 7, 1884, causing significant damage and deaths.