Two tornadoes tore through a coastal town in western Sicily on Friday.

The twisters began as waterspouts over the Mediterranean Sea and moved ashore into Marsala, The Guardian reported. Videos showed the two rotating columns approaching the town as people braced for impact.

Dozens of people were injured, and at least 11 were taken to the hospital after being hit by flying debris and broken glass. The most seriously hurt was a 70-year-old man, who was in critical condition with several fractures at Mazara del Vallo hospital.

A school was badly damaged, and children there were hurt, Euro Weekly News reported. Cars were flipped over and buildings were damaged.

"I've never been afraid of dying the way I was a few hours ago," one resident told the Mirror. "This thing grew four times bigger in just two minutes. I'm still shaking."

The tornadoes formed as a thunderstorm moved over the area near the coast, the Mirror reported.

A waterspout is a spinning column of air over water. Most are weak, but some form from strong thunderstorms and can become dangerous tornadoes when they reach land.

Tornadoes are less common in Europe than in the U.S. but do happen, especially in Italy in the fall. The Mediterranean Sea is still warm after summer, which can fuel strong storms when cooler air arrives.

Scientists say warmer seas linked to climate change can make Mediterranean storms more intense.

Local officials were assessing the damage and helping families whose homes were hit. Videos of the twin waterspouts spread widely on social media as residents shared what they saw.

What we know: two waterspouts came ashore as tornadoes in Marsala.
What we don't: the final count of injuries and damage.