Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ibiza tornado: Multiple people injured as storm rips through holiday resort

‘We thought this only happened in Hollywood blockbusters,’ tourist says

Zamira Rahim
Wednesday 23 October 2019 10:58 BST
Comments
Tornado rips through holiday resort in Ibiza

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A tornado has struck a popular tourist spot in Ibiza, leaving at least three people injured, hundreds of trees uprooted and residents stranded.

Torrential rain and wind gusts of between 120 and 140km/h swept across Sant Antoni de Portmany, a town on the island’s west coast, on Tuesday night.

The tornado shattered car windows and felled telephone and electricity poles, according to Periodico Ibiza.

A storm surge caused 4m waves to hit the island’s coast, according to AEMET, Spain’s meteorological service.

“We thought this only happened in Hollywood blockbusters,” Cathy, a tourist from Manchester, told the local Spanish newspaper.

On Tuesday Spanish meteorologists issued a severe orange warning for the region, the highest possible alert.

The tornado caused road walls to collapse, leaving stones and around 200 felled trees blocking motorways and streets.

At least three people working on a construction site were injured when the storm struck, according to emergency services.

All three have been taken to hospital with varying injuries. One man sustained minor wounds, the local ambulance service said.

The 112 service said 37 emergency incidents related to the storm were reported by Wednesday morning.

Wind gusts of up to 140km/h hit the town
Wind gusts of up to 140km/h hit the town (Silke Menzer)

These involved flooding, falling trees, blocked roads and caved in ceilings.

AEMET, Spain’s weather service, refers to the storm as a DANA, an acronym for an isolated depression at high levels.

The local police force said a significant amount of damage had been caused, especially by fallen trees.

Emergency services working across the Baelearic Islands urged members of the public to take precautions.

“The storm this morning has left serious damage in different parts of the municipality,” said Marcos Serre Colomar, the mayor of Sant Antoni de Portmany.

The storm has caused a significant amount of damage
The storm has caused a significant amount of damage (Screenshot/ITV News)

Tourists posted photographs of the heavy rain and lightning on social media.

“Just experienced a tornado in Ibiza. Scary stuff,” said Sophie Kelly, a Twitter user.

Sant Antoni de Portmany is popular with tourists from around the world and is known for its nightlife.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue across Ibiza on Wednesday.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in