Dramatic video footage captured two Sicilian mayors in Santa Teresa di Riva being knocked off their feet by a sudden rogue wave on January 20, 2026, while inspecting coastal damage caused by Cyclone Harry. The rare Mediterranean extratropical cyclone generated record-breaking 16-meter (52-foot) waves in the Ionian Sea, leaving a trail of destruction along the coasts of Sicily, Sardinia, and Calabria.

Authorities estimate that Cyclone Harry caused approximately €1 billion in damages, including flooded streets, damaged infrastructure, and power outages. Widespread evacuations were carried out as local governments sought to safeguard residents from the severe coastal conditions. The dramatic wave that struck the mayors underscores the storm’s intensity and the unpredictability of rogue waves during such cyclones.

Emergency services have been deployed across affected regions to assess structural damage, assist displaced residents, and restore essential services. Officials warn that similar waves may continue to pose a hazard along exposed coastal areas, urging citizens and visitors to exercise caution until conditions stabilize.

Cyclone Harry is being closely monitored by meteorologists, who note that such powerful extratropical systems are rare in the Mediterranean, with this event producing some of the highest waves ever recorded in the region. The incident highlights the dangers local officials face when surveying storm-affected areas and the extraordinary strength of the cyclone’s coastal impact.