Double-vortex tornado strikes Marsala and Petrosino in Sicily

On the morning of Friday, October 9, 2026, a rare double-vortex tornado struck the western Sicilian towns of Marsala and Petrosino. The storm system, which originated as a pair of waterspouts over the Mediterranean, made landfall and caused extensive damage, including uprooted trees, destroyed warehouses, overturned vehicles, and downed power lines. Local authorities described the scene as war-torn, with significant structural damage reported to five private homes and the Alcide De Gasperi school.

A total of eleven people were injured during the event. Among the casualties, two individuals were critically wounded when their car was blown into a ravine by high winds. Additionally, five students and one teacher sustained minor injuries at the school, while two construction workers who were initially missing were later found alive and hospitalized. The incident follows a period of severe weather across Italy.

Local officials and the Italian Civil Protection agency are currently managing the aftermath, focusing on road clearance and search operations. The mayor of Marsala is actively seeking alternative facilities to accommodate students from the heavily damaged school, as officials have advised residents to limit non-essential travel to assist emergency services.