Powerful storm batters Sicily, triggers red alert, mass closures across coastal towns

A powerful storm system has swept across large parts of Sicily, battering the Italian island with violent seas, intense rainfall, and strong winds that have inundated coastal communities and forced authorities to activate widespread emergency measures.

Dramatic eyewitness videos circulating online from Mazzeo, a seaside suburb, showed massive waves crashing over coastal roads, sending seawater surging into nearby streets and damaging seafront structures. In several areas, the force of the waves overwhelmed coastal defences, flooding roadways and disrupting daily life.

In response to the worsening conditions, Italy’s Protezione Civile issued a red alert for multiple parts of the island, warning of torrential rainfall, hurricane-force winds, and extremely dangerous sea conditions.

The alert represents the highest level of weather warning in Italy and signals a serious risk to life and property.

Regional authorities ordered the closure of schools in nearly 150 municipalities as a precaution, while transport links along the coast were severely affected. Several coastal roads were closed due to flooding and debris, and ferry services were suspended in some areas as rough seas made navigation unsafe.

Emergency and rescue crews were placed on high alert, with firefighters and civil protection volunteers deployed to monitor flood-prone areas and respond to incidents.

Meteorologists warned that the storm system could persist, raising concerns about further flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, particularly in low-lying and coastal zones.

Residents were urged to remain indoors where possible, limit movement, avoid non-essential travel, and stay well away from the coastline as conditions remained highly dangerous. Authorities also cautioned against approaching flooded areas or attempting to drive through waterlogged roads.

As the storm continues to impact Sicily, officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as weather conditions evolve.