THIS is the terrifying moment a tornado suddenly swept away tables and chairs at a tourist cafe in Spain during “Satan’s Storm”.
The storm hit the Costa Tropical south of Granada on Sunday, forcing holidaymakers and locals to evacuate resorts.
A woman was filmed holding a giant bar terrace parasol as the tornado swept away chairs and rubbish containers behind herSolarpix
A stronger gust of wind sent the nearby tables smashing into herSolarpix
SolarpixAn electricity pylon was also snapped in half and brought down by the force of the wind[/caption]
Two tornadoes and waterspouts formed as the temperature rose to more than 38 °C and winds reached 53mph.
Footage showed the storm sweeping through Librilla, less than an hour’s drive inland from La Manga in Murcia.
A woman was filmed holding a giant bar terrace parasol as the tornado swept away chairs and street rubbish containers behind her.
Within just moments, a stronger gust of wind sent the nearby tables smashing into her.
An electricity pylon was also snapped in half and brought down by the force of the wind.
Local police said in a statement: “A tornado has carried away sunshades, chairs and tables at bars as it swept through Librilla.
“The town hall has had to cancel its ‘Night of Migas’ BBQ event because of the fire risk as the tornado carried away tables and chairs people had put out and even embers.
“Our officers and Civil Protection workers are still dealing with incidents involving fallen trees and lampposts.”
The freak weather came amid the “Satan’s Storm” – a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterised by a sudden, localised increase in air temperature.
Local police said the high winds were carrying away embers that could cause wildfires.
Meanewhile, Spanish emergency responders continued to battle 21 wildfires in different areas of the country – forcing more than 30,000 people to evacuate.
Four people have now died and six are left with horrific burns in Spain‘s capital Madrid.
Local Laura Bueno said: “What a scare. A heat burst swept away chairs and sunshades.
“It was a hot wind like the winds from the Sahara Desert. It knocked over containers and blew everything into the sea. Children and adults suffered panic attacks.”
Authorities say 33 people have been arrested since June 1 on suspicion of arson.
Another shocked local added: “I don’t remember seeing such a rapid weather change in such a short space of time.”
Many areas have registered record temperatures, with the thermometer in the city of Jerez de la Frontera marking an astonishing 45 °C.
Weather agency Aemet has now confirmed the 16-day heatwave Spain has suffered, the third-longest on record, is now over.
Torrential rain and storms are being predicted today for places like Majorca.
Aemet has activated an orange alert for parts of the holiday island, including the resort of Magaluf.
Aftermath of the wild storm showing broken tables and chairsSolarpix Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
