Three people injured as tornado devastates Ibiza
23 October 2019, 16:40
The popular holiday destination has been ravaged by storms during the half-term holidays.
Severe storms have caused chaos on the island of Ibiza and ruined many holidaymakers plans.
People staying on the island have reported that the rain and winds were strong enough to constitute a tornado.
Videos on social media show huge lighting storms directly over the island.
The area of Sant Antoni was worst hit by the storm, which injured three people when it lifted a builder's mobile work cabin off the floor.
Reports say that all three men were take to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
And at least four flights so far have had to be diverted from Ibiza airport.
So much lightening g this Autumn. This storm moving off towards Ibiza. pic.twitter.com/sWdJyuH5na
— Costa Blanca Pete (@peterjnixon) October 22, 2019
The Met Office have confirmed they cannot say for certain that the storm is a tornado, but that atmospheric conditions in the area could mean one will form.
The Met Office said the storms are expected to continue this week, moving east across the Mediterranean and bringing very heavy showers, hail and thunderstorms, with up to 8in (200mm) of rain expected in some areas.
Spanish police have urged people to drive with caution after the bad weather left roads flooded and uprooted trees.
Several roads on the island have also been closed to traffic after the tornado sent trees crashing down onto the streets.
In some areas, hotels and villas have been wrecked by shattered windows and a sport centre roof has been partially ripped off.
Sophie Kelly, who is on holiday in Ibiza with her son, said the storm struck quickly, "snapping trees in two" and causing heavy flooding.
"The storm was brewing for about an hour, then it went very dark and the rain started, then the wind," she told the PA news agency.
"The full force of it only lasted about four minutes maximum.
"That's why I assumed it was a tornado, plus the way the trees are snapped in a narrow strip."
Ms Kelly, from Newquay, Cornwall, said lightning continued during Tuesday night and was accompanied by power cuts throughout the evening.
She said many people were now leaving the hotel she is staying at, where staff used chainsaws to cut up fallen trees on Wednesday morning.
The Met Office said the storms are expected to continue this week, moving east across the Mediterranean and bringing very heavy showers, hail and thunderstorms.
Up to 8 inches of rain are expected in some areas.
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