Summary
- A powerful storm struck Vega baja del Segura on Monday afternoon, causing significant damage in Orihuela.
- Strong wind gusts reaching between 90 and 100 km/h split a large palm tree in half at Montepinar urbanization.
- The storm generated a “wet downburst” with intense wind bursts, reported by the Climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante.
- Redován and Callosa de Segura also experienced severe wind speeds up to 100 km/h according to official meteorological data.
Severe Storm Splits Large Palm Tree in Orihuela: Vega Baja Hit by Strong Winds up to 100 km/h
On Monday afternoon, residents of the Vega Baja del Segura region witnessed a fierce storm that left striking impacts across Orihuela and nearby towns. the power of the tempest was captured vividly in a video from the Montepinar urbanization area, where a large palm tree was dramatically split in two by intense wind gusts.
the Impact of the Storm in Orihuela
The storm’s most eye-catching damage was the fracturing of a sizable palm tree, demonstrating the sheer force of nature that swept through the region. The footage, shared widely by the local meteorological community ‘MeteOrihuela’ on social media, highlights how sudden and forceful weather changes can be.
Strong Winds and Wet Downburst Event
According to the climatology Laboratory of the University of Alicante (UA), the storm caused a wet downburst, a sudden, violent wind event often accompanied by rainfall. Wind speeds between 90 and 100 km/h were registered, especially affecting areas like Redován and Callosa de Segura, both part of the larger Vega Baja del Segura comarca.
| Location | Wind Speed (km/h) | Event Type | Damage Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orihuela (Montepinar) | 90-100 | Wet Downburst | Large palm tree split in half |
| Redován | Up to 100 | Strong Winds | General wind damage |
| Callosa de Segura | Up to 100 | Strong Winds | General wind damage |
What Is a Wet Downburst?
For those unfamiliar, a wet downburst is a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm that hits the ground with strong winds and heavy rain.These sudden bursts can cause significant damage similar to tornadoes but over a smaller area.The Vega Baja’s storm fits this definition as reported by meteorologists.
Protecting Yourself During Sudden Storms
- Stay indoors and avoid open areas during severe weather warnings.
- Secure outdoor furniture and objects that can turn into dangerous projectiles.
- keep informed through trusted weather updates and alerts.
- After a storm, watch out for downed trees and damaged power lines.
Final thoughts
The recent storm serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can turn dangerous in the Vega Baja region. While the damage was mostly limited to natural elements like trees, it highlights the importance of community preparedness and monitoring for rapidly changing weather conditions.
If you live in or near the Vega Baja del Segura, stay alert this season and take precautions when thunderstorms are forecasted.