Flood emergency declared in Almería as orange warning brings torrential rain and violent storms « Euro Weekly News

Residents across parts of Almería are being warned to brace for heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding, with AEMET activating an orange weather warning as a powerful spell of unsettled weather moves across the province. The highest alert comes into force in the Levante Almeriense from 3am on Thursday, September 17, with up to 50 litres of rain per square metre possible in just one hour and totals reaching 100 litres over 12 hours. The situation has prompted the Junta de Andalucía to activate the emergency phase of its Flood Emergency Plan in Almería, while authorities have also sent an ES-Alert directly to mobile phones in the areas facing the greatest risk. 

Orange warning comes into force overnight

The orange warning covers the Levante Almeriense from 03:00am until midday Thursday. AEMET says the predicted rainfall could fall in very short periods and may be accompanied by hail.   The warning will then drop to yellow from midday until 08:00pm, although storms and heavy showers will remain possible. During that period, rainfall could reach 15 litres per square metre in one hour and 40 litres over 12 hours. Other parts of the province are also under yellow warnings, including the Valle del Almanzora, Los Vélez, Nacimiento, Campo de Tabernas, Poniente and Almería Capital. 

Emergency plan activated as flooding risk rises

The Junta has activated Operational Situation 1 of the Flood Emergency Plan because of the forecast conditions. Antonio Sanz, Andalucía’s first vice-president and emergency services minister, said emergency teams are maintaining surveillance and are prepared to intervene if necessary. He has urged residents to take maximum precautions and follow instructions from the 112 Andalucía emergency service.  The ES-Alert sent to affected mobile phones is another indication of the seriousness of the forecast. It warns residents about the risk associated with the heavy rain and potential flooding. 

Schools suspended in three Almería towns

The weather warnings have already affected Thursday’s plans, with face-to-face education suspended in Pulpí, Huércal-Overa and Cuevas del Almanzora. The decision affects schools in the three municipalities because they are among the areas facing the forecast heavy rainfall and storm activity. 

For residents, emergency services are advising against unnecessary journeys and warning people to stay away from ramblas, riverbeds and areas prone to flooding. Drivers should never attempt to cross a flooded road or watercourse. The depth and strength of moving water can be difficult to judge, and authorities are specifically warning against taking the risk.

Storms could bring hail

The rainfall will not necessarily be steady. AEMET is warning that some of the heaviest precipitation could arrive in short, intense bursts, with thunderstorms and hail possible. The eastern coast of Almería is expected to see particularly heavy showers from the early hours of Thursday. 

The orange warning is due to end at midday, but the unsettled weather will continue across the province through the afternoon under yellow warnings. For residents in the affected areas, the important point is that the authorities are already treating the forecast as a potential flooding emergency, rather than simply another wet spell.