The popular Spanish island of Majorca, a favourite destination for British tourists, has been struck by an unprecedented winter storm that has blanketed the holiday hotspot in snow and battered its coastline with massive 40-foot waves.
Emergency Warnings Issued
The Spanish weather agency AEMET has issued an amber weather warning for Thursday, urging both locals and visitors to exercise extreme caution as conditions continue to deteriorate. The agency specifically advised people to remain "vigilant and check the current weather forecast regularly" throughout the day.
According to weather officials, the freak hailstorm that hit the island on Wednesday brought hailstones that locals described as being the size of walnuts, creating dangerous conditions across tourist resorts that were rapidly turning white with snow accumulation.
Coastal Dangers and Widespread Impact
The AEMET has issued particular warnings for coastal areas, where 40-foot waves are expected to pound the eastern shores of Majorca. The agency stated that "damage to people and property is possible, especially to vulnerable individuals or those in exposed locations."
The severe weather system has generated terrifying 90kmph winds that are forecast to persist throughout Thursday. The storm represents a dramatic shift from the island's typically mild winter conditions, with shocking images emerging of snow and hail accumulating on vehicles and covering normally sun-drenched landscapes.
Broader Weather Patterns
This extreme weather event forms part of a larger winter storm affecting southern Europe, which has seen temperatures plummet across regions known for their mild climates. Weather warnings have also been activated on the Spanish mainland, with the heaviest snowfall anticipated around:
- Santander
- Bilbao
- The Cantabrian Mountains
Meteorologists predict that these areas could receive up to 25cm of snow within a 24-hour period, while mountain zones inland from Santander are on alert for approximately 20cm of accumulation.
The unusual weather pattern may soon affect the UK as well, with forecasts indicating that heavy rain and snow could reach British shores within days. Weather maps suggest that up to 10cm of snow might settle in some parts of the nation, particularly affecting central and northern Scotland initially before potentially spreading to areas including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield by December 5th.
