Barf Bag Alert: 'Storm Of The Century' Leads To Some Really Scary Landings

Ed Mazza
·1 min read

A major storm in the U.K. over the weekend generated some tense moments for travelers.

Storm Ciara, dubbed the “Storm of the Century” by experts at the nation’s Meteorological Office, caused the usual array of cancellations and diversions, with some flights sent to Birmingham. But as the footage above shows, it wasn’t exactly a smooth landing for those flights.

Birmingham’s airport is already known for its heavy crosswinds, leading to scary-looking ― but perfectly safe! ― landings. The storm added a new challenge, and not all the planes were able to land.

Additional footage, below, reveals the hairy moments some flights experienced before deciding to abort their landings:

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Princess Juiliana Airport, St. Maarten, Caribbean

Incoming passengers land over ridiculously blue water and an expansive beach on their way to this Caribbean hub. But beach goers beware: Last year, a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/woman-blown-over-by-jet-p_n_1411870.html" target="_blank">woman was blown over by the jet propulsion from a JetBlue flight taking off</a> at the nearby runway (located just outside the photo to the right).

Barra Airport, Scotland

This plane is landing on a beach. For real. The t<a href="http://www.scotland.org/features/barra-airport" target="_blank">hree runways at this airport, located on the island of Barra, become submerged during high tide</a>. The beach is open to the public...when the windsock isn't blowing and the airport is operational.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Anyone who has flown into Vegas' McCarren airport have witnessed the stellar view of the Strip and the surrounding mountains seen during takeoff and landing. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Anyone who has flown into Vegas' McCarren airport have witnessed the stellar view of the Strip and the surrounding mountains seen during takeoff and landing. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Mustique, Caribbean

Part of the Grenadines, this secluded, private island has an adorably quaint (and, of course, chic) runway tucked neatly and calmly into grass.
Part of the Grenadines, this secluded, private island has an adorably quaint (and, of course, chic) runway tucked neatly and calmly into grass.

Paro Airport, Bhutan

The only international airport in Bhutan, the airport sits nestled <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bhutans-paro-airport-is-among-worlds-most-dangerous-2013-3" target="_blank">amongst 18,000 foot mountains</a>. It's such a challenging approach and take off that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/worlds-scariest-runways-video_b_1910927.html" target="_blank">only 8 pilots are certified to fly into it</a>.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Any airport located <a href="http://www.jacksonholeairport.com/" target="_blank">entirely inside a national park</a> (the Grand Teton National Park, no less) is bound to have awesome views out the window.
Any airport located entirely inside a national park (the Grand Teton National Park, no less) is bound to have awesome views out the window.

Male, Maldives

The runway juts out into the famously clear waters of the Maldives. What more could you ask for as a welcome (or departure)?
The runway juts out into the famously clear waters of the Maldives. What more could you ask for as a welcome (or departure)?

St. Barts, Caribbean

The famously terrifying landing between two hills aside, once you land all you see is lush greens and oceanside villas (oh and a beautiful beach, to boot). (CYRIL FOLLIOT/AFP/Getty Images)
The famously terrifying landing between two hills aside, once you land all you see is lush greens and oceanside villas (oh and a beautiful beach, to boot). (CYRIL FOLLIOT/AFP/Getty Images)

Queenstown, New Zealand

This needs no explanation, really, but if you must know, the airport sits on New Zealand's South Island surrounded by the area's famous lakes and mountains.
This needs no explanation, really, but if you must know, the airport sits on New Zealand's South Island surrounded by the area's famous lakes and mountains.

Nice, France

South of France. Airport. That's it.
South of France. Airport. That's it.

Lukla, Nepal

Sure, this might be one of the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/18/worlds-most-dangerous-airport_n_3454660.html" target="_blank">world's most dangerous airports</a>, but it's also one of the most striking. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.