Cyclone Harry Ravages Sicily, Italy, With Widespread Flooding
22 January 2026 – A powerful Mediterranean cyclone named Harry has caused catastrophic flooding across the Italian island of Sicily, leading to mass evacuations, widespread school closures, and severe damage to transport and utility infrastructure. The Italian government has declared a state of emergency for the affected regions.
Storm System and Immediate Impact
The cyclone, which formed between Algeria and Tunisia, made landfall on the eastern coast of Sicily on 20 January 2026. It generated a severe storm system with intense southerly flows, bringing extremely heavy rainfall to the impacted areas. Over 200 millimetres of rain was recorded in Calabria, with accumulations exceeding 200 mm expected within 24 hours over Sicily and southern Calabria.
In addition to the heavy precipitation, very strong southerly winds, expected to exceed 100 km/h, generated very high waves of up to 6 metres along exposed coastlines. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) was activated to provide flood extent and damage assessment emergency mapping.
Key Facts and Emergency Response
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Mediterranean Cyclone Harry |
| Date of Landfall | 20 January 2026 |
| Peak Wind Gusts | Up to 130 km/h |
| Maximum Wave Height | Up to 8 metres |
| Rainfall (48 hours) | Over 300 mm in parts of Calabria |
| Areas Under Red Alert | Eastern Sicily (Messina, Catania, Syracuse, Ragusa), parts of Calabria, Sardinia |
| Preventative Evacuations | Approximately 190 people |
| Municipalities Closing Schools | Over 150 |
| Emergency Personnel Deployed | Over 6,000 |
| Railway Lines Suspended | Messina-Catania-Syracuse, Catania-Palermo, others |
| State Road 114 Closure | Between Santa Teresa di Riva and Sant’Alessio Siculo |
Infrastructure Damage and Transport Disruption
The storm has left a trail of devastation across Sicily and Sardinia. In the province of Syracuse, the historic fishing village of Marzamemi was evacuated as a preventative measure, as the heavy mareggiate—huge storm surges—are threatening homes directly on the coast. In Sardinia, the river Cedrino is threatening to burst its banks, which is why the authorities have asked the population to stay away from river courses.
Train services between Palermo and Catania and on several lines around Syracuse were completely suspended as sections of track were washed out or blocked by mudslides. In Vittoria, the weather led to a serious power cut at a hospital. Thanks to emergency generators, the emergency wards were able to remain in operation, but planned operations and diagnoses had to be transferred to neighbouring clinics in Ragusa or Modica.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyclone Harry?
Cyclone Harry is a powerful Mediterranean cyclone that formed between Algeria and Tunisia and made landfall on the eastern coast of Sicily on 20 January 2026. It is characterised by extremely heavy rainfall, very strong winds, and dangerous storm surges.
Which areas are most affected?
The cyclone has caused the most severe damage in eastern Sicily, particularly in the provinces of Messina, Catania, Syracuse, and Ragusa. Coastal regions have been hit by massive waves, while inland areas are experiencing severe flooding from the intense rainfall.
What is the current emergency response?
Italian emergency services, including the Protezione Civile, fire brigade, and forestry authorities, have deployed over 6,000 personnel to the affected regions. They are monitoring critical points such as dams and river courses, which have already burst their banks in many places. Authorities are urging the population to exercise the utmost caution: unnecessary journeys should be avoided and basement areas should be evacuated immediately if there is a risk of flooding.
How long is the weather situation expected to last?
The unstable weather situation is not expected to end until the second half of the week. Meteorologists expect the intensity of Cyclone Harry to slowly decrease over the course of Thursday. Until then, the risk of flash floods and further landslides remains extremely high, as rainfall of up to 400 millimetres is forecast in places.