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Italy's first flood victims recorded, meteorologists say of storm in Sicily

Italy's first flood victims recorded, meteorologists say of storm in Sicily

Floods have "occupied" the Sicilian city of Catania, killing at least two people. Strong storms hit southern Italy for the third day in a row, leaving submerged roads in some parts of the island of Sicily.

Meteorologists say eastern Sicily is being hit by a rare Mediterranean hurricane known as the Medicane. Italy's Department of Civil Defense yesterday issued the harshest weather warning for parts of neighboring Sicily and Calabria, reports the BBC .

The agency warned of potential life-threatening and property damage from heavy rain, storms and strong winds. The mayor of Catania, Salvo Pogliese, said eastern parts of Sicily were experiencing extraordinary weather events "unprecedented" in their intensity.

Citing the "seriousness of the situation", the mayor ordered the closure of all businesses in Catania except for essential services. Rains have flooded historic parts of Catania.

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