Majorca blasted by hurricane-force winds of 75mph: Terrifying storm rips into Spanish resort with trees crashing down, streets flooding and tourists forced to run for cover

The island of Majorca is battling with extreme storms as hurricane-force winds of more than 75mph and torrential rain batter the popular holiday destination.

Stunned holidaymakers have shared footage of tourists fleeing for shelter as sun loungers were sent flying across swimming pools and beaches on the Spanish island which is usually associated with blistering heat and glorious sunshine in August.

Hotel resorts have been left unrecognisable after being lashed by fierce winds, rain and hail. Local media reports that there were more than 80 flood-related incidents on the island within an hour this morning.

Palm trees have come crashing down and flying debris has been launched across resorts, while motorists were also struggling to navigate through flooded roads and limited visibility. Forecasters have warned that storms show no sign of stopping tonight.

A ‘small number’ of people are also being treated for ‘minor injuries’ after a P&O cruise ship broke free from moorings and collided with a freight vessel during the storm. 

It comes as severe warnings were issued across the holiday hotspots of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera on Sunday. Spanish forecasters said winds reached more than 75mph at the Capdepera lighthouse in Majorca.

A woman sprints for cover as chairs behind her get picked up by the winds in Majorca on Sunday

Hotel resorts look unrecognisable after being lashed by the devastating storms in Majorca. Objects were seen flying through the air (right) 

Torrential rain in Majorca has caused huge flooding on the streets as motorists attempt to navigate their cars through 

It comes as severe warnings were issued across the holiday hotspots of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera on Sunday

Stunned holidaymakers have shared footage of tourists fleeing for shelter as sun loungers were sent flying into swimming pools by the fierce winds

Footage shows palm trees almost being pulled out as the island contends with hurricane force winds

Large clouds and moody skies are looming over the island, especially in Andratx – one of the localities most affected by the storms. 

Holidaymakers with young children have shared extraordinary videos of them having to shelter behind cars from the terrifying storms, while other tourists had to flee a beach as parasols and deckchairs were picked up and thrown around by the strong winds.

Trees have been toppled while basements have been flooded as officials try to contend with the strong gales. 

The Aemet met agency has warned that there will be more fierce storms in Majorca this evening, as the poor weather continues into the night.

The 112 emergency service in the Balearics reported 84 storm-related incidents within an hour today, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. 

The newspaper also reported that a pregnant woman in Calvia was taken to a health centre after being injured by a falling sign, while two children with a lilo in Illetes had to be rescued.

An amber alert has been extended until midnight on Sunday across the whole of Majorca as heavy rain and hail were swept across the island by hurricane force winds. 

The Tramuntana region and the north and northeast of the island are most likely to be affected, forecasters added.

Motorists were seen trying to navigate through the roads with very limited visibility

A tree is on the verge of being pulled on the ground as gale force winds grip the holiday island

A large cloud over the sea of the town of Andratx, in Majorca, Spain, 27 August 2023. Andratx is one of the localities of Majorca most affected by the storms registered in the last hours in the Balearic Islands

Holidaymakers were forced to sprint away from the beach as sun loungers and parasols got picked up in the winds

Holidaymakers have shared footage of the storms as the island is lashed by torrential rain and winds

A mother protects her children from the storms as they take shelter behind a vehicle in Majorca

One woman opened up the door to her patio to gale force winds and rain battering her villa

Aemet issued warnings across the island and said that storms would continue into the evening

The forceful storms hit the island at around 11am and within an hour, there were 84 incidents. 

Of these, 49 were in the capital Palma and 24 were in the historic town of Calvia – in the southwest. 

Passengers on the Britannia, a P&O cruise ship, shared footage of debris floating in the sea after the boat crashed.

A spokesman for P&O said: ‘On Sunday 27 August, P&O Cruises Britannia was involved in a weather-related incident while alongside in Palma de Mallorca. A small number of individuals sustained minor injuries and are being cared for by the onboard medical centre. 

‘To allow our technical teams to make an assessment Britannia will remain alongside in Palma de Mallorca tonight with onboard entertainment and activities scheduled.’ 

The Met Office has warned Brits of the storms, sharing a video of the destruction on the island with the caption: ‘Severe thunderstorms are affecting the Balearic Islands, leading to heavy rain and strong gusty winds.’

It comes as other parts of Europe has been battling with wildfires amid heatwaves on the continent.

Greece in particular has been plagued by fires this summer as gale-force winds and hot, dry summer conditions combined to whip up flames and hamper firefighting efforts. 

More than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from several European countries, backed by a fleet of water-dropping planes and helicopters were battling three persistent major wildfires in Greece on Sunday, two of which have been raging for days.

A massive blaze in the country’s north-eastern regions of Evros and Alexandroupolis, believed to have caused the deaths of 20 people, was burning for a ninth day.

The blaze, one of the largest single wildfires ever to have struck a European Union country, has decimated vast tracts of forest and burnt homes in the outlying areas of the city of Alexandroupolis.