MADRID – Exactly on the day that tens of thousands of Spaniards pack up and return home from their holidays on one of the coasts, a depression with severe weather ravages the country. The weather service Aemet issues code red for the regions of Madrid and Toledo.
Weather experts expect heavy rainfall and storms during Sunday afternoon, evening and early Monday morning. The emergency center 112 advises travelers to bring forward their return to Madrid. Driving on the road becomes a hazardous undertaking, especially in the evenings.
Orange alert
Prior to code red, an orange alert applies in Madrid, except in the mountain areas of Gredos and Guadarrama. Hail and downpours are expected to occur, leaving up to 80 liters per square meter in 12 hours. The worst severe weather is forecast between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Pre-emergence status
INUNCAM Madrid has also activated the pre-emergence of the civil protection plan against floods. This pre-emergence status is a warning. If things really get out of hand, the plan will switch to the emergency phase.
Precautionary measures
The traffic department has started a special operation that will last until midnight. ASEM 112 urges motorists to speed up their return to Madrid. “Drive carefully, turn on your lights and avoid puddles of water,” the emergency center warns.
Autumnal weather until Tuesday
It remains exciting. AEMET reports “very intense precipitation” for next Sunday. First in Valencia, Alicante and Murcia, later this shifts to Madrid and Toledo. And keep your umbrella at hand: the autumnal weather will remain until Tuesday. Be alert, and for emergencies: call 112.
Also read: Severe weather in Eastern Spain: Floods and fires caused by DANA
