Double waterspout turns into tornado in Sicily as cars are overturned and school is badly damaged

A terrifying double waterspout swept ashore in western Sicily on Friday, October 9, turning into a destructive tornado that damaged buildings, overturned cars and left children injured at a school in Marsala.

Dramatic footage filmed from the seafront at Biscione, in nearby Petrosino, shows two rotating columns forming over the Mediterranean before one moves towards land. The violent weather system then tears through parts of the province of Trapani, leaving a trail of destruction.

🌪️ Imatges impressionants d’un tornado a Marsala (Sicília).

📸 Rosalba Pipitone

#Projecte4Estacions

https://t.co/nYVNbrIBle

— Projecte 4 Estacions (@P4Estacions) October 9, 2026

The tornado struck at around 10am local time as thunderstorms battered the island. Emergency crews were dispatched to Marsala, Petrosino and surrounding areas to deal with damage to homes, vehicles and public buildings.

According to Sicily’s regional Civil Protection department, the storm caused widespread damage along the SS115 road and nearby areas, with trees and electricity poles brought down and cars left overturned.

School badly damaged with 300 children inside

One of the worst-hit buildings was the Alcide De Gasperi school in the Terrenove area of Marsala, close to the SS115. Around 300 pupils were inside when the violent weather struck, but staff moved quickly to evacuate them.

Regional Civil Protection officials initially reported eight children with minor injuries, with some taken to Paolo Borsellino hospital in Marsala for medical checks and treatment.

Terrifying footage of a violent tornado ripping through the city of Marsala in Sicily, Italy earlier this morning. Heavy damage reported in the area. https://t.co/Wg9JNFS9pg

— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 9, 2026

Italy’s ANSA news agency subsequently reported that six children had suffered minor injuries at the school, while other people were hurt elsewhere in the affected area. The school principal said the building had been severely damaged, with windows broken, fixtures torn away and classroom materials scattered by the force of the wind.

Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities in the initial updates. Emergency services worked to establish the full extent of the damage and assist those affected.

Cars overturned and homes damaged

Damage was not confined to the school. The tornado swept across parts of Marsala and neighbouring Petrosino, damaging houses, public facilities and vehicles. Several parked cars were overturned by the powerful winds. In Petrosino, one vehicle was reportedly struck and thrown into a ravine, leaving two people injured and requiring hospital treatment.

Homes in Petrosino also suffered heavy damage, with some properties reportedly left uninhabitable. Local authorities began arranging temporary accommodation for residents unable to return to their houses.

The council waste collection centre was among the other sites affected, while a wall around the local football stadium was reportedly brought down. Damage to electricity poles and other infrastructure added to the disruption.

Firefighters from across Trapani province were deployed, with additional teams called in from Palermo and Agrigento to help with rescue operations and the assessment of damaged buildings.

Roads and railway services disrupted

The storm also caused problems for people travelling through the area. Fallen trees, debris and damaged infrastructure obstructed roads, while railway services were affected by the closure of several level crossings.

Drivers were called on to exercise caution around damaged areas while emergency teams worked to clear routes and make buildings safe. Authorities also warned residents against relying on unverified messages circulating on social media. The town of Mazara del Vallo issued a statement urging people to follow official communications after false reports attributed to local officials began circulating online.

🌪️ Més imatges del tornado de Marsala (Sicília).

📸 Terenzio Bono

#Projecte4Estacions https://t.co/5OWjBr6H1s

— Projecte 4 Estacions (@P4Estacions) October 9, 2026

Why did a waterspout become a tornado?

Waterspouts are rotating columns of air that form over water, usually beneath storm clouds. Although many weaken before reaching land, some can move ashore and produce destructive winds similar to those of a tornado. In this case, the unusual double vortex formed near the port of Marsala before moving inland. The combination of thunderstorms, atmospheric instability and powerful rotating winds produced a localised but damaging event.

Waterspouts are not unheard of in the Mediterranean, particularly during unsettled weather in late summer and autumn. However, an event capable of causing this level of destruction in populated areas is a serious hazard.

Euro Weekly News previously reported on dramatic waterspouts off Italy’s Ligurian coast in March, when funnel-shaped columns formed over the sea but dissipated before reaching land.

More storms possible across the central Mediterranean

Weather conditions improved across parts of Sicily after Friday’s violent episode, but the wider central Mediterranean continued to face the possibility of further rain and thunderstorms. Not every area is expected to experience the same conditions, and the development of severe weather can vary considerably over short distances. Residents and visitors should follow local forecasts and official warnings rather than assume that improving conditions in one town mean the risk has passed elsewhere.

Bè dai, che esagerati!!1! Ci sono sempre state le trombe d’aria multiple a Marsala!!1!
La colpa è dei tombini otturati e dell’abusivismo!!1!1
#cambiamenticlimatici #climatechanges #Sicilia #Marsala https://t.co/GMdgyzweTj

— Dr. Stellario Marulanda🏳️‍🌈🇮🇹 (@doctorgis84) October 9, 2026