Easter Week under water: All of Spain on high alert for storm Nelson
Driving rain and winds of up to 90 km/h will batter Spain on Wednesday March 27
After weeks of summery weather, January beach days and soaring temperatures, Spain has been hit with a delayed winter right in the middle of one of the most eagerly-anticipated holidays of the year. And if Easter has been a wash-out so far, that’s nothing compared to what is to come, according to meteorologists.
Holy Week got off to a wet and windy start in most of Spain. A lingering DANA (isolated high altitude depression) brought heavy rain to much of the north and central regions late on Sunday March 24 and these stormy episodes had spread far and wide by the following morning. The torrential rain forced the cancellation of dozens of Easter processions up and down the country, and snow flurries were reported in Madrid, and even as far south as the Region of Murcia and Andalucía.
Weather alerts issued for Wednesday March 27
Things were a little better on Tuesday, but it’s definitely time to batten down the hatches on Wednesday March 27 in anticipation of storm Nelson, which is forecast to sweep in during the early morning and place the entire country on high alert for torrential rain and gale-force winds.
Yellow and orange weather warnings have been activated in almost all of Spain for Wednesday – 16 autonomous communities, plus the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected in areas of Almeria and the Valencian Community, although the daytime temperatures are actually going to increase, and the thermometers should hit 22 or 23ºC in large parts of the south.
Region of Murcia
The Region of Murcia has been placed under a yellow alert for winds of up to 70 km/h, with waves reaching heights of three metres. The warning will be in effect from 12 pm until just before midnight.
Meanwhile, the Cartagena City Council has issued a series of recommendations to residents and visitors, advising them to stay away from the coastline and breakwaters, and to avoid going out sailing.
Andalucía
Andalucía is also bracing for a wet and windy day, with very cloudy skies and driving rain expected throughout the region. All provinces have been placed under an alert, with varying levels of severity due to wind, waves and rain. Almería is expected to be the hardest hit, with a 24-hour orange alert in place.
Alicante
In Alicante, a yellow alert has been issued for dangerous coastal conditions, with cloudy intervals expected throughout the day and a chance of storms in the afternoon. The maximum temperature is set to reach 22°C at around 4pm, while minimum temperatures will fluctuate around 9°C on Wednesday night.
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Images: Aemet
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