Storm Claudia has unleashed devastating tornado-like winds across Portugal, killing an 85-year-old British woman and injuring dozens at a holiday campsite in the popular Algarve region.
Holiday Camping Tragedy in Albufeira
Footage emerging from the Albufeira campsite reveals the sheer destructive power of the extreme weather phenomenon that struck around 10am on Saturday, 15th November 2025. The British pensioner was initially reported missing before being discovered dead at the scene.
Winds reached extraordinary speeds of 114 kilometres per hour in Portugal's southern Algarve region, with regional commander Vitor Vaz Pinto confirming dozens of injuries including two serious cases. The injured victims represented Portuguese, Spanish and British nationalities, ranging in age from just six years old to 85.
Meteorological Phenomenon Causes Widespread Damage
Portuguese media described the extreme weather event as a tornado, though meteorologists are working to confirm the exact nature of the phenomenon. Sky News weather presenter Jo Wheeler noted that a downburst - a powerful downward rush of air from thunderstorms - was recorded at Praia da Carvoeiro, causing damage similar to a tornado.
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere had issued red warnings for both rain and severe winds well before Storm Claudia's arrival. More than 2,434 weather-related incidents have been reported throughout the Algarve region alone.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expressed his "heartfelt condolences" to the family of the deceased British woman and wished a "speedy recovery" to all those injured by the violent winds.
Storm Claudia's Impact Across Europe
The storm, originally named by the Spanish meteorological service, has affected multiple countries including Portugal, Spain, Britain and Ireland. In a separate tragic incident on Thursday, rescue workers discovered an elderly couple dead inside their flooded home in Fernao Ferro, across the River Tagus from Lisbon.
In the United Kingdom, Storm Claudia brought severe flooding to Monmouth and surrounding areas in southeastern Wales on Saturday. Senedd Member Peter Fox described the scenes as "devastating" as emergency services conducted rescues, evacuations and welfare checks throughout the affected regions.
The Welsh government confirmed that significant flooding continues to affect homes, businesses, transport and energy infrastructure. Natural Resources Wales has issued 11 flood warnings, including four severe alerts, alongside 17 flood alerts. In England, the Environment Agency reported 49 active flood warnings and 134 flood alerts as the storm system continues to impact the region.
