Intense Rainfall Triggers Red Alert Across Castellón and Málaga
The Spanish provinces of Castellón and Málaga are currently under red alert for extreme rainfall, as the national weather agency AEMET warns of severe weather conditions. This hazardous situation is affecting most of Spain, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours accumulating to alarming levels.
AEMET raised the alert level on Monday for the interior south of Castellón, where persistent and abundant rain is expected to accumulate over 180 liters per square meter within just twelve hours. The red alert will remain effective from 15:00 to midnight, with emergency services urging residents to remain cautious.
Authorities have cautioned the public to avoid approaching rivers and flood-prone areas, emphasizing the need to travel only if absolutely necessary. AEMET stated via their social media platforms, "The danger is extreme. Avoid approaching streams and riverbeds. Do not travel through the area if it is not absolutely necessary." This follows alerts sent out by the Generalitat Valenciana aimed at populations at risk, emphasizing serious flooding concerns.
The situation isn't limited to Castellón. Málaga's Ronda comarca has activated its emergency phase of the Flood Risk Plan due to the predicted accumulation of up to 120 liters per square meter, raising concerns about potential flooding.
Emergencies announcements were made on Monday morning and early afternoon, with AEMET noting accumulations have already reached unsettling levels. Reports indicate up to 151.4 liters per square meter were noted at Bugarra, with significant totals elsewhere such as 134 liters at Atzeneta del Maestrat and similar accumulations throughout the region.
By afternoon, messages via the emergency ES-Alert system had reached countless residents, warning them about the severe weather. One message advised, “Protect yourself, exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay out of lower areas.” Emergency services are dealing with landslips and road disruptions but report no major incidents as of yet.
Educational institutions are also feeling the impact, with classes suspended across various municipalities including Domeño, Segorbe, and Tírig due to flooding risks. Xàtiva declared school closures for the following day as more rain was expected.
Emergency services have implemented increased preventive protocols as the meteorological situation is expected to linger throughout the week. AEMET predicts the rainfall will persist until at least Thursday, potentially causing significant hydrological issues, including overflowing streams and flooding.
Antonio Sanz, the spokesperson for the Junta de Andalucía, confirmed the emergency status, stating, "The region has been under pre-emergency status since yesterday, but due to intensifying rain, we have escalated to operational phase 1 to manage the flooding threat." He emphasized timely communication has been key to coordinating responses to this severe weather situation.
While heavy rain and snow are battering the southern regions, other parts of Spain are also experiencing weather warnings. Yellow alerts have been activated across Extremadura, Castilla y León, and the Canary Islands, indicating the widespread nature of this storm system across the peninsula.
With temperatures dropping and snow forecasted particularly for high-altitude areas, Spain’s weather has become increasingly unstable. Madrid was set to experience residual effects of this storm throughout the day, with mixed weather reported across various provinces.
Residents are urged to stay informed about the rapidly changing weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities. The government is working diligently to mitigate any threats arising from potential flooding, with emergency teams and first responders at the ready.
Weather forecasts suggest this atmospheric instability will linger longer than expected, with AEMET advising the public to remain vigilant, particularly those residing near rivers and other bodies of water prone to flooding.
To sum up, Castellón and Málaga are facing extreme weather challenges, with alerts issued to protect the public against threats posed by heavy rain and potential flooding. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing public safety and well-being as their top priority during this severe weather event.