21.10.2011 1

Provence & Côte d'Azur: Mini tornado shocks Nice Côte d'Azur airport

Nice airport tornado

Air traffic was disrupted on Tuesday as a tornado hit off the coast of the Nice Côte d’Azur airport during afternoon storms. The twister was spotted around 6:30pm, 300 metres from the airport’s runway.

Nice airport
The tornado struck Nice airport around 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th October

The phenomenon, caused by cold air hitting the warm Mediterranean sea water, picked up wind speeds of around 150 kilometres an hour.

Spokesperson for Nice Côte d’Azur airport Catherine Galimant told the Nice Matin, “Fortunately, the mini whirlwind didnt’t cause any injuries or damage. However, some departing flights were delayed by half an hour whilst two incoming flights had to wait 20 minutes before it was safe to land.”

French weather forecast, Météo France, have told Nice residents not to worry and that it is expected for this time of year. “It happens once a year in Nice, especially during the autumn months.”

Louise Kirby

Share |

Go back

Comments

Comment by Cassie | 18.12.2011

“It happens once a year in Nice, especially during the autumn months.”

Yeah okay, was I the only one who noticed that tornado out at sea?

Add a comment