The Costa del Sol is hit by high winds and palm trees are toppled.

The Costa del Sol continues to be vulnerable due to the strong winds. Palm trees have fallen in several prominent locations in recent days. During the unsettling weather, incidents highlight risks for pedestrians and drivers.

Dramatic close call at Marbella promenade

Yesterday, witnesses described an incident that almost happened on the Paseo of old Marbella. James described the event: “We had been walking down the paseo of old Marbella, when suddenly we heard a loud bang from behind us. We turned around and saw that a tree had broken in the wind, falling on a young girl who was riding her bicycle. She was lucky because it wasn’t the trunk but the leaves. She was in shock and screaming. We only missed being hit by a tree trunk by seconds.
Near-misses like these show how quickly the conditions along popular seafront routes can turn dangerous.

Calahonda: Motorway closed in Calahonda

Traffic halted on the A-7 near Calahonda A palm tree fell in Mijas in the direction Marbella. Local observers have criticised the tree management and warned on social networks that it could lead to a tragedy. This time, however, there were no injuries. Emergency services acted quickly to restore flow. However, the incident serves as a warning of the dangers that motorways face in high wind conditions.

Fresh plantings prove unstable in Benalmadena

Palm Sunday brought strong winds to Benalmadena, where newly replanted palm trees along Avenida Costa del Sol also fell victim. Some of them fell soon after the reopening of the avenue, revealing issues with young specimens’ root establishment. Landscapers and authorities are questioning whether the trees were properly anchored and cared for before being exposed to coastal winds.

The risks of palm weevils can be compounded

Pests can be a source of additional concern. Red palm weevils or South American Palm Weevils are found infesting trees throughout southern Spain. They bore into the trunks of trees and weaken structures from inside, but remain invisible to human eyes. Infested trees often display wilting leaves or crown collapse prior to sudden failure.

The need for better management is growing

Storms like Storm Joseph or Storm Leonardo have caused trees to fall in Mijas and Marbella as well as along the coast. A tragic incident occurred earlier this year, when a Moroccan woman aged 31 named Maroua lost her life in Torremolinos on Tuesday 27th January after a palm fell on her.

Residents are demanding better maintenance programs, particularly for palms that line roads, promenades and residential areas. Local councils should prioritise weevil prevention, safe planting techniques, and timely pruning in order to minimise future incidents.

With more windy conditions forecast, caution is still required when driving along the coast or strolling along promenades. Communities are hoping that quick action will preserve the iconic palm tree-lined vistas of the Costa del Sol.