A POPULAR beach resort has been hit by a series of mini-tsunamis, forcing holidaymakers to flee the waves.

A sudden change in the sea level led to water flooding Platja de s’Arenal beach and the promenade in Ibiza this morning.

**FULL COPY BY GERARD COUZENS.-TEL: +34 659 567 821**.THE Balearic Islands have been hit by a series of mini-tsunamis which in the Ibizan party resort of San AntonioFootage shows water suddenly appearing under shocked locals’ feet Credit: Solarpix **FULL COPY BY GERARD COUZENS.-TEL: +34 659 567 821**.THE Balearic Islands have been hit by a series of mini-tsunamis which in the Ibizan party resort of San AntonioHarbour-front areas quickly became flooded with high-rising water Credit: Solarpix

San Antonio waterfront was left covered by seawater which swept away containers, coolers and bars installed for a concert.

A stage prepared for a tribute concert celebrating the music of a famous Spanish rock band was also surrounded by seawater.

San Antonio Town Hall reacted by announcing the cancellation of the 10pm event “for security reasons.”

chiefs had warned of mini-tsunamis, or rissagues as they are known locally, in parts of the Balearic Islands today.

**FULL COPY BY GERARD COUZENS.-TEL: +34 659 567 821**.THE Balearic Islands have been hit by a series of mini-tsunamis which in the Ibizan party resort of San AntonioA sudden change in the sea level led to water flooding the main s’Arenal beach this morning Credit: Solarpix

What is a meteotsunami?

A meteotsunami is a large, tsunami-like wave driven by extreme weather. It can also be caused by fast-moving atmospheric disturbances, like air pressure.

This differs from standard tsunamis which are triggered by underwater earthquakes.

Most mini-tsunami waves are under two feet tall but in some rare cases can reach 10-20 feet.

They often present similar warning signs such as a receding coast line or a roaring sound from the sea.

In Majorca they affected the ports of Alcudia, Andratx and Soller as well as Port Adriano in the municipality of Calvia which includes resorts like Magaluf.

In Puerto Alcudia the sea swept onto part of the beachfront promenade this afternoon and left holidaymakers having to wade through the water.

It also surprised tourists enjoying drinks at a terrace bar at the back of the beach.

Ciutadella in Menorca was also put on standby with warnings of oscillations in the sea level of up to four feet (1.2 metres) which will remain in place until midnight.

The first mini-tsunami hit the area at just before 8am, with the change in sea level recorded at 86 centimetres or 2.8 feet.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

The extreme weather phenomena known in the Balearics as rissagues are caused by sudden atmospheric pressure changes rather than or seismic activities and are not new to the islands.

Harbours are the main risk areas.

In July 2018 mini-tsunamis reaching up to five feet flooded coastal roads, beach bars, and restaurant terraces in areas like Alcudia, Andratx, and Porto Cristo as well as snapping boat moorings and dragging vessels out to sea.

Tourists were seen running to avoid getting soaked and potentially knocked over by the strong currents.