Spain's weather agency has issued a red alert for torrential rain in the coastal areas of Huelva, located in Andalusia. Authorities in Andalusia have raised the region’s flood risk to its maximum level today and residents have been urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
Weather agency Aemet has warned of an "extreme" risk level in the areas that are under a red alert. According to Euro Weekly News, emergency alerts were sent directly to mobile phones across the province on Tuesday night, October 29, warning locals of "extreme danger" and advising them to remain cautious.
The Andalusian government confirmed the activation of Operation Level 1 of the Flood Risk Plan (PERI) after Aemet, Spain’s national meteorological agency, placed the area under a red alert, up to 120mm of rain is expected to fall in just 12 hours.
Andalusian Minister for the Presidency and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, posted to X earlier today: "We have raised the Emergency Plan for Flood Risk in Andalusia to operational level 1.
"Red alert activated for the #Huelva coast. Torrential rains are expected in the area. Avoid travel and follow the advice of @E112Andalucia."
The red alert is in place between 12pm and 2pm local time on Wednesday (October 29), with forecasters warning of persistent and locally very heavy rain and thunderstorms.
As the downpour continues through Wednesday, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, keep away from rivers, ravines and low-lying areas, and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
Spanish media says: "Local councils have begun inspecting bridges, rural roads and storm drains to prevent further flooding, while the regional emergency service remains on high alert throughout the day."
Other areas including Sevilla and Cordoba are under an amber weather warning for rain and areas including Cadiz and Madrid are under a yellow weather warning, all for rain, according to the Spanish weather body. Seventeen weather warnings have been issued across much of the country.
Aemet said the severe conditions are caused by a deep area of low pressure moving across the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, bringing unstable air and heavy downpours.
Aemat said in a translated forecast: "Strong winds and occasionally very strong gusts are expected along the coast of the Gulf of Cádiz and in the southwest quadrant."
It added: "Locally heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely across large areas of the southwest quadrant of the Peninsula, as well as in the Strait of Gibraltar area and southern Andalusia, where significant accumulations are possible."
The red alert is expected to be lifted later on Wednesday as the worst of the weather moved eastwards, but unsettled conditions are likely to continue across northwestern and southeastern parts of the country into Thursday, October 30.
The Foreign Office says extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.
Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure. Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.
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