Storm Emilia Triggers Severe Rainfall Warnings and Municipal Disruptions in Valencia
Storm Emilia triggers heavy rain warnings in Valencia, prompting school closures and staged resumption of municipal activities amid flooding risks.
- • Storm Emilia caused a red alert for heavy rainfall in Valencia and Almería, with significant rain expected to continue into Monday.
- • Valencia suspended classes in 32 flood-prone schools as a preventive measure against flooding.
- • Municipal activities including schools, parks, and libraries are set to resume on Monday afternoon, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
- • Authorities urged residents to avoid flood zones and stay informed via official channels.
Key details
Storm Emilia has caused significant weather disruptions in Spain, particularly impacting Valencia and surrounding regions. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued a red alert for Valencia and Almería due to heavy rainfall that began over the weekend and is forecasted to continue into the early part of Monday. Rainfall levels are expected to be especially intense in the Levante and southeastern areas, with accumulations between 80 and 100 liters per square meter in places such as Castellón within 12 hours.
Following these warnings, Valencia's city council suspended classes on Monday for 32 educational centers located in flood-prone areas as a precaution against potential flooding. Specific protocols have been set for schools in vulnerable zones like Pinedo and El Saler. The authorities also urged residents to avoid flood-affected areas and to stay updated through official information sources.
CECOPAL, the Emergency Coordination Center, announced that municipal activities will gradually resume on Monday, December 15, starting at 3:00 p.m., conditions permitting. This includes the reopening of educational institutions, parks, gardens, libraries, senior centers, and sports facilities, which will resume operations contingent on the cessation of adverse weather warnings and favorable weather conditions.
According to Aemet's forecast, the storm front is expected to bring persistent rain not only to Valencia but also to western Alborán, Catalonia, and northeastern Spain, though rainfall intensity will decrease through the day. The storm system also brings heightened risks of thunderstorms, hail, and locally strong showers in northern Galicia, western Asturias, and the Strait area. Snow is forecasted at mountain elevations between 1,400 to 1,600 meters, with temperature fluctuations characterized by decreases in the Pyrenees and western peninsula but increases in the Canary Islands and Ebro Valley. Wind conditions are variable, with moderate eastern and southern winds across much of the peninsula and strong winds along Galicia’s coastline.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions as authorities monitor the evolving weather conditions closely.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
