Storm Emilia Sparks Severe Weather Alerts Across Spain, Especially in Canary Islands
Storm Emilia is causing widespread severe weather alerts in Spain, with intense winds and rain particularly threatening the Canary Islands and southern mainland.
- • Storm Emilia expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow to Spain from December 12.
- • Government of Canary Islands declares wind alert due to gusts up to 100 km/h, especially in high elevations.
- • Strong rain and snow affect southwestern Spain and Canary Islands with potential flooding and hazards.
- • Temperatures rising in western Spain but falling in the Canaries and northwest; conditions improve from Sunday.
- • Authorities urge public to follow safety advice amid ongoing instability through the weekend.
Key details
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued warnings as storm Emilia is set to impact Spain starting December 12, bringing intense rain, strong winds, and snow across various regions including the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Ceuta, and Melilla. The storm is expected to cause hazardous conditions such as heavy rainfall, flooding risks, and falling branches, particularly affecting the southwest of the peninsula and the Canary archipelago.
In conjunction, the Government of the Canary Islands declared a wind alert effective from 09:00 on December 12, covering the western islands and Gran Canaria. Winds of 30 to 50 km/h with gusts of 60 to 90 km/h are anticipated, especially in high altitude areas like the Teide and Izaña regions. By December 13, wind speeds could intensify, reaching up to 90-100 km/h in elevated parts of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and northern Tenerife. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote remain on prealert as conditions may improve there by the night of December 12.
Temperatures will show a mixed pattern, with levels rising in western Spain while dropping in the Canary Islands and the northwest. Although the situation is expected to improve starting Sunday, December 14, some inland regions may continue to experience intense frost.
The combined warnings reflect a significant weather event that demands vigilance. Authorities urge residents to follow self-protection guidelines amid these challenging conditions.
The storm’s center of activity is forecasted between the Gulf of Cádiz and the Canary Islands, with persistent rainfall and instability through Saturday accompanied by possible mountain snowfalls and intense showers along the southern Mediterranean coast. These comprehensive alerts aim to prepare the public and mitigate the storm’s impact on daily life and infrastructure across the affected areas.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
