A sudden heavy downpour transformed a street in Benidorm into a temporary river, surprising tourists who were enjoying the sunny weather. Video footage captured the unusual scene as one individual playfully pretended to swim through the rain, while a police car was seen maneuvering a large green bottle bin back to its original spot after it had drifted away.
Andy Forrest, a retail manager from North Shields vacationing in Benidorm, described the unexpected weather event as chaotic and surreal. He recounted witnessing the street quickly flood with water, observing objects being carried along the current, including a sizeable bottle bin. Despite the previous day’s torrential rain, the weather swiftly cleared up, with temperatures soaring again.
Barbu Cornel, the owner of the White Horse pub in Benidorm, documented the police’s efforts to restore order after the short-lived deluge. He mentioned that the rain lasted only about an hour, followed by sunny skies. Customers at his pub found humor in the situation, laughing and filming the unusual occurrence.
Teo Bordis, a staff member at a nearby pub, captured a friend simulating swimming along the flooded street, much to the amazement of onlookers. The sudden storm, following a prolonged dry spell, left patrons astonished, prompting many to record the spectacle from inside.
The inclement weather was not limited to Benidorm, as other regions in Spain, including the Balearic area, also experienced severe conditions. Emergency measures were activated due to heavy rain and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 62mph. Majorca reported significant rainfall within short periods, causing flooding, fallen trees, and damage to various properties.
In Italy, severe weather warnings were issued for potential tornadoes along the western coasts. Tuscany faced flooding, with cars submerged in flooded underpasses and parking lots. Residents in affected areas were forced to seek refuge on rooftops as water levels rose, causing disruptions and damage to property.
Authorities advised motorists to seek higher ground, abandon vehicles if necessary, and ensure adequate fuel and charged mobile phones for emergencies. Travelers at Palma Airport faced delays due to the adverse weather conditions, affecting transportation schedules.