AEMET warns of potential for heavy rain on Friday
Forecasts suggests that many places in the Marina Alta could experience heavy or very heavy rainfall at times throughout Friday.
Thursday 4th November 2021 – AEMET with Mike Smith
The state meteorological agency AEMET has activated a YELLOW alert risk warning for the potential for heavy rain and storms this Friday 4th November throughout the Marina Alta region. This special notice is valid from midnight on Thursday night and will remain active until midnight on Friday.
The warning suggests that some areas of the region could see precipitation rates of 20mm per hour and these periods of rain could be accompanied by electrical storms.
On Thursday morning, MeteoXàbia admitted that the developing conditions made it “very difficult to predict” just where the rain will fall, but was confident that Friday “will probably see heavy or very heavy rain”.
An abnormally cold air mass has been pushing down from the northern extremes which will see temperatures plummet across Spain, especially at night. In the Marina Alta, it is very likely for the thermometer to drop into single figures once the sun drops below the horizon.
Note: The alert doesn’t mean that these conditions are definitely going to affect us but that the models are showing that there is a good chance that they may do so so it’s best to be prepared.
Prepare for the Worst
- Check guttering and drains. They should be clear of leaves and other debris to allow the rainwater to flow away easily. Take a look at the drains in the street in front of your property. It’s the council’s job to keep them clear but checking them yourself before the arrival of heavy rain can help protect your home.
- Prepare the terrace and garden. Cover up and secure patio furniture. Bring in anything that is likely to be blown around the garden and cause damage.
- Protect valuables. If you live in an area that is liable to flooding, you might want to consider gathering together any valuable or sentimental items and store them in a safe area of the house – not the basement – during the periods of heavy rain. Just in case. Material items can be replaced, memories can’t.
- Avoid driving. During periods of heavy rain, it is best to stay put, wherever you are, and avoid driving in low-lying areas and zones where water is likely to collect. Don’t attempt to cross the river if the water is flowing as it may be deeper and stronger than it appears; it only takes a few centimetres of fast flowing water to dislodge a vehicle. If the heavy rain causes poor visibility whilst driving, stop and wait until it passes.
