Dramatic footage has emerged capturing the terrifying moment a passenger jet was caught in the ferocious grip of a 100mph microburst on the runway of Tenerife South Airport. The violent weather event, a direct consequence of Hurricane Erin's path across Europe, turned a routine holiday departure into a scene of aviation horror.
'It Was Like Being in a Washing Machine': Passengers Terrified
The video shows a Boeing 757, operated by Spanish carrier Evelop Airlines and carrying 200 passengers, being violently shaken from side to side as the sudden, powerful storm cell strikes. The plane, destined for Paris Orly, appears to weather the extreme conditions as ground crews scramble for safety.
Meteorologists have identified the phenomenon as a 'microburst' – a highly localized column of sinking air that produces devastatingly powerful winds, often associated with the aftermath of hurricanes. This particular event was part of the severe weather system that Hurricane Erin flung towards the Canary Islands and the Iberian Peninsula.
Hurricane Erin's European Aftermath
The chaos in Tenerife was just one part of a wider pattern of disruption across Western Europe. Hurricane Erin, though weakening from its tropical status, delivered a severe lashing to the continent:
- Spain and Portugal: Issued severe weather alerts as torrential rain and high winds battered the coastline.
- Canary Islands: Experienced widespread flight cancellations and delays, stranding thousands of tourists.
- Localised Flooding: Several regions reported flash floods and significant damage to property from the unseasonal storms.
Experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to shifting climate patterns, posing new challenges for aviation safety and holiday travel.
A Miracle on the Runway?
Despite the alarming visuals and the declared ground stop that followed the incident, the aircraft reportedly suffered no damage. After the storm passed, the plane was able to continue its journey to France, albeit after a significant delay that undoubtedly left passengers shaken.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the vulnerability of even the largest man-made machines when confronted with truly extreme conditions.
