Severe Weather Chaos: Tornados or Downbursts Wreak Havoc in Albufeira and Silves

Extreme wind phenomena, possibly tornadoes or downbursts, have caused significant damage in Albufeira and Silves. Fallen trees, minor flooding, and structural collapses were reported on the afternoon of March 17 due to the passing of Storm Laurence through the Algarve region.

According to the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command, there were a series of incidents primarily in the western Algarve, including tree falls, structural failures, and landslides affecting roads.

The incidents peaked around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. The most notable occurrence happened at Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira, where a severe wind event (potential tornado or downburst) was reported according to Meteofontes. A video circulating on social media captured the destruction of a roof at the old fish market in Albufeira, near the tunnel.

Occurrences also spread across various municipalities in the western Algarve. In Silves, a landslide occurred in Fito, and flooding was reported in Amorosa (São Bartolomeu de Messines). In the Pedreira area (Silves), a second tornado or downburst may have caused additional tree falls, as per Meteofontes.

In Monchique, landslides were reported on the roads, similar to those in Mexilhoeira Grande (Portimão).

Today’s weather has been conducive to such events, with intense cells or even small supercells embedded within cloud cover and precipitation. Since the yellow alert was issued at 4 PM on March 16, there have been 77 incidents in the region, all related to the damage caused by Storm Laurence.