An 85-year-old British woman died after a violent windstorm — possibly a tornado — struck Albufeira Camping Park in the Algarve. Two others were seriously injured and a total of 28 people were hurt across the campsite and a nearby hotel, including six young children. Portugal's IPMA is investigating the likelihood of a tornado while authorities, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, have pledged rapid emergency response amid ongoing Storm Claudia impacts.
85-year-old British woman killed as suspected tornado rips through Algarve campsite
An 85-year-old British woman died after a violent windstorm — possibly a tornado — struck Albufeira Camping Park in the Algarve. Two others were seriously injured and a total of 28 people were hurt across the campsite and a nearby hotel, including six young children. Portugal's IPMA is investigating the likelihood of a tornado while authorities, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, have pledged rapid emergency response amid ongoing Storm Claudia impacts.
11:09 PM, 11/15/2025Environment
85-year-old British woman killed as suspected tornado rips through Algarve campsite
An 85-year-old British woman has died after a violent windstorm — possibly a tornado — struck Albufeira Camping Park in the Algarve on Saturday.
Faro's district commander for rescue operations told reporters that two other people at the campsite were seriously injured and three sustained minor injuries. A nearby hotel was also struck late on Saturday morning, leaving 23 people with slight injuries.
Casualties and injuries: Authorities reported that 28 people were injured across both Albufeira sites. Among them were six children aged between two months and seven years, who were lightly injured; the remainder were adults aged roughly between 24 and 70.
Video recorded at the campsite shows uprooted trees, debris scattered across the grounds and vehicles with smashed windows. Officials said the storm affected the area from about 11:00 GMT until roughly 15:00.
Meteorological investigation: Portugal's meteorological service, IPMA (Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere), said it was assessing whether a tornado occurred, noting that radar images indicate a very high likelihood. IPMA cautioned that predicting the exact time and place of tornadoes remains difficult.
Official response: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed "heartfelt condolences" to the family of the deceased British woman and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. He wrote on X that Civil Protection responded "with full commitment and the greatest possible speed", while acknowledging that serious consequences could not be avoided.
"Civil Protection responded with full commitment and the greatest possible speed." — Prime Minister Luís Montenegro
The weather system, named Storm Claudia, has battered Portugal and parts of Spain over the past two days. Earlier in the week, rescuers reported that an elderly couple died in Lisbon after their home was flooded.
IPMA has issued orange warnings for persistent and occasionally heavy rain with thunderstorms for southern districts including Faro, Setúbal and Beja. Authorities urge residents and visitors in affected areas to follow safety guidance and avoid unnecessary travel while warnings remain in force.