Home / Disasters and Accidents / Italy Reels: Cyclone Harry Unleashes Giant Waves on Sicily
Italy Reels: Cyclone Harry Unleashes Giant Waves on Sicily
21 Jan
Summary
- Cyclone Harry caused a massive storm surge to inundate Sicily's Lipari harbour.
- Red alerts were issued across Sicily and Sardinia due to 74mph winds and nine-meter waves.
- Around 190 people were evacuated from vulnerable coastal areas in Sicily.
A powerful storm surge associated with Cyclone Harry has devastated the harbour at Lipari, Sicily, with dramatic footage showing waves exploding over quaysides and flooding streets. Violent seas battered the island, causing significant disruption.
Authorities issued red alerts across Sicily and Sardinia, warning of gale-force winds reaching 74mph, waves up to nine meters high, and dangerous coastal flooding. These conditions necessitated the precautionary evacuation of 190 residents from exposed areas in Sicily.
Emergency services were extensively deployed across Sicily, with 200 municipalities activating monitoring centers and 150 towns closing schools. Transport was significantly affected, particularly at Palermo's Falcone Borsellino Airport, where flights experienced diversions and cancellations.
Similar severe weather impacted Malta, with hail piling up like snow and streets flooding. Civil Protection advised residents to stay clear of exposed heights and coastal areas as forecasters deemed the situation critical for southern Italy.
