130 km/h winds knock down Christmas lights in La Cala de Mijas during the early hours

Strong gusts of wind, up to 130 kilometers per hour, according to initial estimates from the Málaga Meteorological Center collected by the Mijas Town Hall, have struck the coast of the town in Málaga early this Tuesday morning. This has caused multiple damages, especially in the area of La Cala, with the toppling of part of the Christmas lighting, numerous uprooted trees, fallen branches, and even boats lifted from the water and dragged ashore. Municipal staff have been working since dawn in assessing the damage and repairing the destruction. Technicians from the State Meteorological Center (Aemet) have traveled to the scene to conduct a field study that will determine what meteorological event occurred, as well as its intensity, according to Jesús Riesco, the director of the agency in Málaga. He also explained that, for now, it is not confirmed that the phenomenon was a tornado.

According to information released by the Town Hall, during the night, Mijas firefighters made a total of seven outings related to the effects of the storm, mainly due to fallen trees, fences, and other elements. By early morning, two actions were still pending for the removal of trees in other parts of the municipality.

The Local Police have continuously intervened, assisting and coordinating with other municipal areas, securing the affected areas, regulating traffic when necessary, and carrying out information and coordination tasks at the various points with incidents.

Currently, several roads are closed to traffic: river ford on Andalucía Avenue, due to a fallen lamppost; Azalea Street, due to a fallen tree; and Walter Bayer Street, due to a fallen tree.

There are also recorded damages, but no need for road closures on La Cala Boulevard, due to fallen Christmas lighting; Virgen de Fátima Avenue, due to a fallen tree; San Bruno Street, due to fallen construction material; Cortijo de la Cruz Street, due to a fallen tree; San Cristóbal Street, due to an incident with the Christmas lighting; Camino de la Cueva (Majadilla del Muerto), due to a fallen tree; and in the La Rosa area, due to a fallen tree.

Regarding material damages, so far, more than eight vehicles have been reported damaged, a number that could increase throughout the morning as inspections continue.

The Street Cleaning Service has been working since early morning on the removal of branches, trees, and debris dragged by the storm, in coordination with other municipal areas. These efforts are particularly focused in La Cala de Mijas, although they also extend to other parts of the municipality affected by the waterspout.