An unprecedented meteorological phenomenon
On May 12, 1886, Madrid experienced a day that would be etched in the collective memory of its inhabitants. In a matter of minutes, the sky darkened and a devastating tornado unleashed itself over the Spanish capital, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos. This event, considered one of the most intense ever recorded in the country, has been the subject of study and reflection over time.
The tornado began its path in Carabanchel Alto, advancing northeast with unusual force. With winds reaching estimated speeds of up to 266 kilometres per hour, it flattened buildings, uprooted centuries-old trees, and overturned carriages, sowing panic among the citizens. Contemporary accounts describe horrific scenes: roofs flying off and streets covered in debris.
Despite the time that has passed, the exact figures regarding the victims remain a topic of debate. It is estimated that the number of fatalities could range from several dozen to nearly fifty, in addition to over a hundred injured. The impact was such that emblematic places like the Casón del Buen Retiro and the Royal Botanical Garden suffered significant damage.
According to experts like Manuel Mora García, a meteorologist from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), that day saw an exceptional combination of atmospheric conditions. Convective activity generated intense storms accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind. This phenomenon was not isolated; it is believed that another tornado may have also affected areas near Guadalajara.
Unlike the American Tornado Belt, where these phenomena are common, tornadoes in Spain tend to be less frequent and generally less intense. However, when they occur in the peninsular interior, they can be particularly violent during extreme weather episodes.
As we mark 140 years since this catastrophic event, the inevitable question arises: could something similar happen again? Although meteorologists consider the probability to be low, they do not completely rule it out. The difficulty in predicting these phenomena remains a significant challenge for the current scientific community.
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