Severe storms driven by a Mediterranean storm system dubbed Cyclone Harry continue to batter southern Italy and the islands, leaving a trail of destruction across Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia. Intense winds, violent seas and heavy rainfall have persisted for several days, prompting emergency responses and raising fears of long-term economic impact.
The Italian Civil Protection Agency maintained red alerts across large parts of the south as the system peaked this week, with weather already described by some local officials as akin to a “war bulletin.” Coastal towns and infrastructure suffered hugely from storm surges and erosion, while inland flooding and wind damage compounded the chaos.
Evacuations and community impact
Dozens of families were forced from their homes as sea water pushed inland, particularly around the Catania area in eastern Sicily, where roads and properties were inundated. Authorities also reported extensive flooding on the Aeolian islands, where high seas breached harbour defences and filled homes and streets.
Emergency services have been stretched. Fire brigades conducted numerous rescues, including saving a trapped technician from floodwaters in Catanzaro in Calabria. Farmers have reported significant losses to crops and greenhouse infrastructure in rural areas.
In response to worsening conditions, local administrations in Sicily, Calabria and Sardinia are preparing to request formal declarations of crisis or state of emergency status, which would unlock additional government support. The Sicilian regional president has preliminarily estimated the island’s losses at more than €500 million and plans a special government session to address the fallout.
Transport and daily life disrupted
Schools across many affected provinces were closed, with services suspended out of safety concerns. In coastal cities such as Messina, Enna, Catania and Cagliari, educational institutions and public facilities remained shuttered amid ongoing risk warnings.
Although the Cyclone Harry storm system shows signs of weakening, some areas remain on high alert for flooding from rivers and swelling reservoirs. In Sardinia, weather officials expect lingering rain and moderate wind before full conditions ease later in the day.
