At least two dead after rare cyclone floods parts of Sicily

At least two people have died after a rare cyclone submerged parts of the island of Sicily.

Almost half of the average amount of rain expected on the island in a year, 11.8in, fell in just a few hours on Sunday.

Some of Catania's streets were turned into rivers and the central Piazza Duomo outside the Sicilian city's cathedral resembled a lake on Tuesday because of the flooding.

Rescuers are still searching for a 54-year woman who was swept away along with her husband by flood waters in the town of Scordia, also near Catania, on Sunday.

The body of her 67-year-old husband was found on Monday.

Aerial footage shows the Sicilian countryside also ruined by flooding

A man's body was found under a car as torrential winds and rain swept through the town of Gravina, north of Catania, according to volunteer rescue workers.Mayor Salvo Pogliese announced on Facebook he was closing all shops, apart from pharmacies and groceries, until midnight on Tuesday.

“I urge all people not to leave their homes except for emergencies,” he said.