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 11th 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 12th November throughout the Marina Alta region. The warning suggests that some areas of the region could see precipitation rates of 20mm per hour. This special notice is valid from midnight on Thursday night and will remain active until midday on Friday.
The Climatology Laboratory at the University of Alicante has been monitoring the development of ‘Storm Blas’ and, according to some forecast models, it reports that it could become a “medicane” – a Mediterranean hurricane – that would produce very strong gusts of wind and heavy rains in the area of the Balearic Islands, although the university admits that these systems “are very difficult to predict”. However, they do make assurances that the worst of the weather “will not affect [the province of Alicante] directly”, although it is expected that more northern parts, such as the Marina Alta, may suffer periods of heavy rain from the edge of the storm system as it progresses south through the Western Mediterranean zone., especially during the early hours.
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.
