The beaches of Cullera yesterday became a scene of strong wind gusts, some exceeding 130 kilometers per hour, during the last thermal shock recorded in the area. Sand whirlwinds drastically reduced visibility, making clear vision almost impossible, despite which people were still swimming.
Establishment terraces were left empty as the curtain of sand and rain obscured the views. The situation also complicated road travel in La Ribera Baixa during the afternoon. Intense rainfall and wind made driving difficult, overwhelming the capacity of vehicle windshield wipers.
Given the storm's intensity, some covered spaces served as makeshift shelters, while the first ambulance sirens began to be heard. In Sueca, winds gusting over 100 kilometers per hour caused damage to terrace furniture. In Polinyà del Xúquer, the damage was also significant, with over 50 liters per square meter accumulated and trees resisting the storm's onslaught.
In El Mareny de Barraquetes, fallen branches obstructed drivers' paths, and some residents found it impossible to use their vehicles. The storm, described by witnesses as "violent and rapid," appeared suddenly. "It started raining heavily, and suddenly, everything was spinning," recounted a witness.
This brief but particularly intense episode marks the end of the extreme temperatures of recent days, leaving La Ribera Baixa affected by wind, rain, and the effects of a thermal shock.
