Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Spain: Irish Holidaymakers Urged to Take Precautions
Spain is bracing for its fourth storm in under two weeks, with weather officials issuing major warnings for the region. Storm Martinho is set to make landfall, bringing a mixture of strong winds, heavy rain, and even the possibility of snow in traditionally sunny areas. This could significantly impact holidaymakers, especially those from Ireland, who are advised to stay vigilant and prepared.
A Series of Storms Battering Spain
Spain has been hit by a series of destructive storms in recent weeks, each leaving a trail of devastation. Storm Laurence, the most recent, caused deadly floods across the country, particularly in Andalusia, Extremadura, and Murcia. The floods resulted in the loss of three lives: two individuals who drowned after their car was swept away in Seville, and a cyclist whose body was found days after he went missing in Añora.
This followed the destructive paths of Storms Jana and Konrad, which caused widespread damage and disruption across Spain. The relentless series of storms has left many regions bracing for the impact of the next storm, expected to hit just hours after Storm Laurence passed.
Wind Alerts and Rainfall Warnings
Spain’s entire west coast is under a combination of yellow and orange wind alerts as Storm Martinho approaches. Winds of up to 70kph are expected, with even stronger gusts anticipated at higher elevations. Aemet, the Spanish weather advisory, has issued severe weather warnings for Galicia, including regions like A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Ourense, where winds of 100kph are expected in the mountains of eastern Ourense according to MeteoGalicia.
Rainfall also poses a significant threat, with warnings of up to 60mm of rain in just 12 hours. Rainfall alerts and yellow alerts remain in force for Saturday, particularly in the northern regions. The Canary Islands have also been issued a yellow wind warning, adding to the concerns for holidaymakers in the region.
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Unexpected Snowfall and Risk of Accumulations
Aemet warns that higher ground could see significant snow accumulations, adding snow to the list of hazards. Snow is expected in A Coruña and nearby areas, with up to 5cm of snow forecasted for Sanabria and Leon on Saturday. This unusual situation for the region highlights the severity and unpredictability of the oncoming storm.
The threat of snow adds another layer of risk, especially as higher elevations could see significant accumulations. Aemet has issued a yellow snowstorm alert for areas above 1,000 meters, with the heaviest accumulations expected above 1,200 meters. This situation calls for heightened caution, particularly in mountainous regions.