'tormenta' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tormentum', where 'tormentum' meant 'instrument for twisting; torture'.

'tormentum' changed into Old Spanish 'tormenta' and eventually became the modern Spanish word 'tormenta'.

Initially, it meant 'instrument of torture' (or figuratively 'torment, suffering'), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'storm; violent disturbance'.