Taranto frequent Continental features. The spring is usually mild and rainy, but it is not uncommon to have sudden cold spells come in from the east, which often cause snowfall. The summer is very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to . On 28 November 2012 a large F3 tornado hit the port of Taranto and damaged the Taranto Steel Mill where workers were protesting against the plant's pollution emissions; about 20 people were injured, and another man was reported missing. The tornado is one of nine to hit Italy since 1 October. It is classified as Geographical zone C
History of Taranto Persano was put under trial for incompetence and cowardice, and his easy days in Taranto was indicated as part of his bad behaviour. During World War I, Taranto was a base for Regia Marina warships. On 2 August 1916, , a , sank after alleged sabotage. On the night of 11 November 1940, during World War II, the Italian ships, which were at anchor in "Mar Grande" and "Mar Piccolo", were severely damaged by British naval forces in what became known as the Battle of Taranto. British forces landed near the port on September 9, 1943 as part of the