THIS is the terrifying moment a tornado suddenly swept away tables and chairs at a tourist cafe in Spain during “Satan’s Storm”.
The storm hit the Costa Tropical south of Granada on Sunday, forcing holidaymakers and locals to evacuate resorts.
Two tornadoes and waterspouts formed as the temperature rose to more than 38C and winds reached 53mph.
Footage showed the storm sweeping through Librilla, less than an hour’s drive inland from La Manga in Murcia.
A woman was filmed holding a giant bar terrace parasol as the tornado swept away chairs and street rubbish containers behind her.
Within just moments, a stronger gust of wind sent the nearby tables smashing into her.
An electricity pylon was also snapped in half and brought down by the force of the wind.
Local police said in a statement: “A tornado has carried away sunshades, chairs and tables at bars as it swept through Librilla.
The “Night of Migas” BBQ event at the town hall has been canceled due to fire hazards, as a tornado swept away tables and chairs that had been set up, along with embers.
“Our officers and Civil Protection workers are still dealing with incidents involving fallen trees and lampposts.”
The freak weather came amid the “Satan’s Storm” – a rare atmospheric phenomenon characterised by a sudden, localised increase in air temperature.
Local police said the high winds were carrying away embers that could cause wildfires.
Meanwhile, Spanish emergency services are actively combating 21 wildfires across various regions of the country, which has led to the evacuation of over 30,000 residents.
Four people have now died and six are left with horrific burns in Spain’s capital Madrid.
Local Laura Bueno said: “What a scare. A heat burst swept away chairs and sunshades.
“The wind felt like the scorching gusts from the Sahara Desert. It toppled containers and sent everything flying into the ocean, causing panic attacks among both children and adults.”
Authorities say 33 people have been arrested since June 1 on suspicion of arson.
Another shocked local added: “I don’t remember seeing such a rapid weather change in such a short space of time.”
Many areas have registered record temperatures, with the thermometer in the city of Jerez de la Frontera marking an astonishing 45C.
Weather agency Aemet has now confirmed the 16-day heatwave Spain has suffered, the third-longest on record, is now over.
Torrential rain and storms are being predicted today for places like Majorca.
Aemet has activated an orange alert for parts of the holiday island, including the resort of Magaluf.
