article_detail

Southern Spain is bracing itself for a potentially catastrophic weather event as DANA Alice barrels towards the Murcia and Alicante coasts. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued red warnings for Friday October 10, describing the situation as a "high-risk episode" with the very real threat of flash flooding.

 

Despite the storm arriving slightly later than initially predicted on Thursday October 9, Aemet is adamant that the rain is coming and residents need to prepare now.

 

The red alert will be in effect from 10am to midnight on Friday across the southern coast of Alicante and the Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón regions in Murcia. Forecasters are predicting truly staggering rainfall levels: up to 60 litres per square metre in just one hour and a jaw-dropping 180 litres per square metre over twelve hours.

 

In response to the red alert, the regional government has taken the decision to suspend classes in educational and social centres across Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón. Schools will be closed in San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar, La Unión, Los Alcázares, Torre Pacheco, Fuente Álamo and Mazarrón, as well as in the Murcian districts of Lobosillo, Sucina, Gea y Truyols, Avileses and La Tercia.

 

Elsewhere in the Region, the Vega del Segura remains on orange alert, while the Guadalentín Valley, Lorca and Águilas are on yellow alert. Even on Thursday October 9, orange and yellow warnings are in place across nearly the entire Region, with rainfall of up to 15 litres per square metre in one hour expected in most areas.

 

Over in neighbouring Valencia, DANA Alice has already made its presence felt. An orange alert for rain has been declared on the coasts of Valencia and Alicante provinces, forcing the postponement or cancellation of events planned for Thursday, which happens to be Valencian Community Day.

 

L'Albufera de Valencia has already recorded 50 litres per square metre, whilseCatarroja, one of the towns hardest hit by flooding almost a year ago, has seen 40 litres. Massalavés and Alcàsser have recorded 35.6 and 35.1 litres respectively.

 

Over in the Balearics, Ibiza and Formentera have suspended classes on Thursday due to the forecast of heavy rain. Meanwhile, in Tarragona, the Civil Protection Agency has placed the Inuncat plan on pre-alert because of the possibility of sudden flooding in ravines and torrents of the Baix Ebre and Montsià rivers. The authorities are urging people to exercise caution and steer clear of flood-prone areas.

 

A red alert represents the maximum or extreme risk level for a meteorological event. It means there's a very real danger to life and property, and immediate action is required to protect the population. If a red alert is issued in your area, it's absolutely essential to follow the instructions of the authorities, stay informed through official channels and take measures to ensure your safety. That means seeking shelter, avoiding unnecessary travel and staying well away from areas vulnerable to flooding.

 

Southern Spain has seen its share of extreme weather in recent years, but DANA Alice is shaping up to be particularly severe. Stay safe out there.

 

 

Image: Aemet