THIS is the horrific moment an apocalyptic storm hits Spain sparking massive tornadoes and forcing dozens to flee.
Tourists and locals were evacuated from beaches as the raging winds sent parasols and other objects flying into the air in a freak 104F heat burst known as Satan’s Storm.
SolarpixTrees were captured dangerously swaying in the powerful winds[/caption]
The storm descended on Spain sending objects flying into the airSolarpix
Dozens of holidaygoers were forced to flee the beachSolarpix
At least five people were rescued from the water in Spain‘s Costa Tropical as cops and coastguards were deployed in an urgent hunt for a missing person.
The tornado was caused by a rare heat spike, with some areas reaching temperatures of up to 40C.
A heatburst, commonly known as a Satan’s Storm, is a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterized by a sudden, localized increase in air temperature.
Horrifying footage shows holidaymakers fleeing the beach as the winds pummel through the sand, sending debris and dust flying into the air.
Meanwhile, trees dangerously swing from side to side under a dark and cloudy sky punctuated by the odd ray of sunshine.
Another clip shows garden furniture, pot plants and trees strewn across the ground after being struck by the devastating gusts.
Popular holiday resorts Motril and Almunecar, in the south of Granada, were the worst hit as two tornadoes and waterspouts cascaded through the areas yesterday evening.
A waterspout is a rotating column of air – similar to a tornado – that forms over a body of water.
Spanish weather agency Aemet confirmed on X: “The temperature rose rapidly to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) at 7.50pm, accompanied by very strong gusts of wind that reached 53mph.”
Meanwhile, Motril’s mayor Luisa Garcia Chamorro, urged: “Attention. We are experiencing what is known as a heat burst with very strong, almost hurricane winds.
“We recommend you don’t leave your homes or remain on the street. Exercise maximum caution.”
Laura Bueno, who was at Torrenueva Beach, Motril at the time 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.”
Another shocked local added: “I don’t remember seeing such a rapid weather change in such a short space of time.”