UPDATE: AEMET issues warning for heavy rain and strong winds

Updated: Tuesday 12th April 2022 – Mike Smith
Sources: AEMET Meteorological Warning / Climate Laboratory at the University of Alicante

The state meteorological agency AEMET has activated a YELLOW alert risk warning for the potential for heavy rain and strong winds from midday tomorrow Wednesday 13th April which could affect many places throughout the Marina Alta region until the early evening of Thursday 14th April.

AEMET advises that there is a 40%-70% probability that the Marina Alta region as well as the southern part of the Valencian province could see periods of intense rainfall with precipitation rates of 60mm per 12 hours possible during tomorrow Wednesday afternoon and into the evening. The rain is also likely to be of the muddy variety.

On Thursday the situation is likely to continue but with the added “bonus” of the potential of strong winds with gusts of up to 70km/h possible at times as well as heavy seas with 3-4 metre waves pushed by Force 7 north-easterly winds.

The Climate Laboratory at the University of Alicante has confirmed that the forecast modelling have confirmed that the situation from Wednesday is likely to be “complicated” with a trough breaking off from a weather front crossing our region, generating DANA conditions which will cause a fairly unstable environment.

The weather is expected to improve for the Easter weekend with sunny spells and scattered cloud with maximum temperatures reaching the low 20s.

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

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.