ITALY — 25 August 2025: Holidaymakers across parts of Italy were left shaken after a violent supercell storm tore through popular tourist resorts late Monday evening, bringing winds up to 60mph, torrential rain, and large hailstones that caused widespread damage and panic.
The storm, described by meteorologists as one of the most intense of the summer, struck coastal regions in northern and central Italy, including popular destinations such as Venice, Rimini, and Lake Garda. Emergency services were inundated with calls as trees were uprooted, roads flooded, and vehicles were damaged by falling debris and hail.
Several campsites and beach resorts were evacuated as a precaution, and dramatic footage shared on social media shows deck chairs flying, shop awnings collapsing, and terrified tourists seeking shelter in restaurants and hotels.
Local authorities confirmed that dozens of people suffered minor injuries, mostly from broken glass and debris. No fatalities have been reported, though officials warn that cleanup efforts could take days.
In a statement, Italy’s Civil Protection Agency said:
“We are dealing with a supercell weather system of rare intensity. The damage is considerable, particularly in coastal areas. Teams are working around the clock to restore services and ensure public safety.”
Tourists described the event as terrifying.
“We were having dinner on the terrace when the wind just exploded. It felt like a hurricane,” said one British traveller staying near Rimini.
The storm comes amid an erratic summer of extreme weather across Europe, with parts of the continent experiencing heatwaves, flooding, and now violent storms. Meteorologists attribute these patterns to climate instability intensified by global warming.
Residents and travellers are being urged to remain indoors and monitor official updates, as further storms are expected in the coming 48 hours.
