Storm Emilia Triggers Red Alert for Torrential Rain and Flood Risk in Valencia and Andalucia

Red Alert Declared Across Eastern and Southern Spain

Spain's state meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued a red weather alert for significant portions of the Valencian Community and Andalucia as Storm Emilia continues to batter the Iberian Peninsula. The highest level of warning, indicating an 'extreme risk' to life, has been activated due to forecasts of torrential rainfall and a severe threat of flooding.

The red alert specifically targets the entire Valencia coastline, including its northern and southern areas, and the Almanzora and Los Velez valleys in inland Almeria, Andalucia.

Expected Rainfall and Regional Impacts

Meteorologists predict exceptionally heavy rainfall in the affected regions. In the Valencian Community, over 250mm of rain could accumulate from Sunday lunchtime through Monday morning, with some areas potentially receiving up to 180mm within a 12-hour period. Meanwhile, inland Almeria is expected to see up to 120mm of rain per square meter over 12 hours.

Beyond the red alert zones, other areas in Andalucia are also under severe weather warnings. The coast of Almeria, along with the Guadix and Baza regions of Granada, are under orange alerts for heavy rain. The entire southern coast of Andalucia, including the Costa del Sol, faces yellow alerts for rough sea conditions, with waves potentially reaching up to four meters and wind gusts of up to 60km/hr.

Public Safety and Emergency Recommendations

Authorities are urging residents in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution. The red alert in inland Almeria is expected to remain in place until at least midnight on Sunday, December 14, while the 'very adverse' situation in Valencia could persist for 36 hours, with orange and yellow alerts continuing into Monday, December 15.

Civil Protection has issued critical recommendations to ensure public safety:

• Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid all unnecessary travel and displacements.
• Monitor official weather updates and emergency service announcements closely.

The current weather event evokes memories of the deadly DANA floods in 2024, which claimed over 200 lives, underscoring the heightened concern among residents and authorities.

Ongoing Monitoring and Outlook

The AEMET continues to monitor Storm Emilia's progression, noting that the episode of intense rainfall and storms is expected to continue into the early hours of Monday, December 15. Small changes in the storm's trajectory could lead to variations in the localization and intensity of precipitation. Emergency services remain on high alert, prepared to respond to potential flash floods and other incidents caused by the severe weather.