The warning to be cautious not to let your guard down has been issued as torrential rains and severe floods have led to over 155 deaths and are expected to continue through Friday and the weekend, possibly causing more surprises according to Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). Early on Friday morning, Aemet raised the alert level from orange to red in Huelva for torrential rains, as well as in other regions including the Balearic Islands. Several communities remain under alert, with orange alerts in Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona, Mallorca, and Menorca. The intense rainfall has reached record levels, such as 117 liters per square meter in Cartaya, Huelva, within hours.
The unusually strong intensity of the weather system has led Aemet to issue multiple red alerts in just a few days in different regions. Meteorologists are surprised by the persistence and strength of this storm, suggesting it could be influenced by climate change. Extreme caution has been recommended by officials, as the red alert signifies extreme risk to people’s lives and infrastructure. The public is urged not to travel in affected areas and to be aware of sudden rises in water levels, especially near rivers and in flood-prone areas. With the long weekend ahead, the DGT has advised against traveling to Valencia and to check road and weather conditions before setting off. The challenging weather conditions are set to continue throughout the weekend, with potential storms in the Mediterranean.
The focus of the storm shifts on Saturday to the Mediterranean region, particularly in southern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community. The threat remains high in the Balearic Islands, with ongoing orange alerts, while other areas are on yellow alert. By Sunday, the storm is expected to gradually dissipate, leading to a more stable weather pattern. However, the Mediterranean region will still experience some instability, especially in the south, with the possibility of strong storms persisting in certain areas. The situation will gradually improve heading into the new week, with conditions settling across the country, although isolated showers remain a possibility.
Overall, the weather is expected to calm down by Tuesday, but some areas may still experience showers, especially in the Mediterranean region. Temperatures are not expected to vary significantly from the seasonal norms during this period. The focus remains on staying vigilant and prepared for any potential weather disturbances, particularly in the southern regions of Spain. The impact of the storm has been significant, causing widespread flooding, road closures, and disruptions to daily life. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates and guidance to the public to ensure their safety during this challenging weather event.
