A major Spanish island popular with British tourists has been hit by a winter storm, bringing 40ft waves, snow, and a freak hailstorm. The Balearic island of Majorca saw tourist resorts turned white as a blanket of snow fell amid chilly temperatures.
Spain's weather agency AEMET issued an orange weather warning on Thursday, urging people to be vigilant and check forecasts regularly. The agency warned of possible damage to people and property, especially for vulnerable individuals or those in exposed locations. Terrifying 90kmph winds are expected to continue.
Shocking images showed hailstones the size of walnuts smashing onto the island. Yellow weather warnings were issued across Majorca on Wednesday, but forecasters said the worst of the weather could be seen on Thursday. The winter storm across southern Europe has caused temperatures to drop dramatically in the typically mild area.
Weather warnings were also issued on the Spanish mainland, with the heaviest snowfall expected around Santander, Bilbao, and the Cantabrian Mountains, where up to 25cm of snow could fall within 24 hours. Mountain zones inland from Santander are on alert for around 20cm of snow, while areas near Navarre and northern La Rioja could see up to 10cm. Even the normally milder inland region near San Sebastián is forecast to receive around 5cm.
Meanwhile, Britons could face heavy rain and snow as the storm may reach the UK in a few days. Weather maps predict chilly conditions sweeping across the UK in the early hours of December 4, with rain expected over England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and southern Scotland, while central and northern Scotland could see significant snow. Maps for December 5 show snowfall in England, initially centred around the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines before spreading to cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield.
