2 minutes ago! Italy in mourning! Shocking footage from Sicily! The world is praying for the people!
Authorities have yet to release an official assessment of the damage caused by the hailstorm, but it is expected to run into the millions of euros. The extreme weather event is just the latest in a series of unusual meteorological occurrences to hit Italy in recent months, including heavy snowfall and flooding.
Residents of Sicily, Italy were left stunned as a sudden hailstorm battered the island on Friday. The freak weather phenomenon pelted the southern region with chunks of ice the size of golf balls, causing widespread damage to cars, buildings and crops.
Videos shared on social media showed the streets of the town of Caltagirone turned into a sea of white, as the hail accumulated into knee-deep drifts. Many locals were caught off guard by the sudden downpour, with some taking refuge in shops and cafes as the storm raged on.
The hailstorm also caused chaos on the roads, with numerous accidents reported as drivers struggled to navigate the slippery conditions. Meanwhile, farmers in the region expressed concern for their crops, which have already been hit by a recent cold snap.
As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, many are calling for urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. The hailstorm in Sicily serves as a stark reminder of the need to address the issue before it’s too late.