Madrid Braces for Torrential Rain and Storms, Mayor Advises Residents to Stay at Home
Madrid’s mayor has issued a warning to all residents to stay at home as the capital prepares for torrential rain and storms that are expected to affect parts of Spain. The national weather agency, AEMET, has issued a maximum red alert for Sunday in the Madrid region, Toledo province, and the city of Cadiz, indicating possible extreme danger.
According to AEMET, up to 120 litres per square metre of rain could fall over a span of 12 hours in Madrid. This exceptional and abnormal situation has prompted Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida to urge people to stay indoors. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote, “Due to the exceptional and abnormal situation, in which rainfall records will be broken, I ask the people of Madrid to stay at home today.”
Dark storm clouds have already started gathering over Madrid during the early afternoon on Sunday, but many people were still outside as usual. However, some residents are taking the red alert seriously. Manuel Loro, a 42-year-old Madrid resident, expressed his support for the warning, saying, “The best thing to do is not to use your car today. It’s going to be strongest at six o’clock so we’ll go home earlier.”
Madrid’s emergency services have taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents. They have sent text messages to warn people about the flood risks and advised them not to use vehicles. Additionally, LaLiga has suspended an evening match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid due to the red alert.
The adverse weather conditions are not limited to Madrid alone. In Alcanar, Tarragona, on Spain’s east coast, emergency services have also confined residents to their homes due to flooding caused by 215 litres per square metre of rain in the past 24 hours.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are closely monitoring the weather conditions and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the residents. The heavy rainfall and storms are expected to have a significant impact on various parts of Spain, and residents are urged to stay updated with the latest information and follow the instructions provided by local authorities.
Reporting by Elena Rodriguez and Guillermo Martinez; Writing by Jessica Jones; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne
What precautionary measures has the mayor advised residents to take to ensure their safety during the torrential rain and storms?
Ld fall in some areas, with strong winds and thunderstorms also expected. This level of rainfall could lead to significant flooding and pose a threat to public safety.
The torrential rain and storms are part of a wider weather system affecting parts of Spain, with several regions already experiencing heavy downpours and flooding. The mayor’s warning comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent any potential emergencies.
In a press conference, the mayor emphasized the importance of staying indoors during the storm and avoiding unnecessary travel. He advised residents to stay informed about weather updates through official channels and to follow any instructions or warnings issued by the authorities.
The mayor also urged residents to secure loose objects outside their homes and clear any drains or gutters to prevent blockages and minimize the risk of flooding. He assured the public that emergency services are prepared and ready to respond if needed.
In addition to the danger posed by the heavy rainfall, strong winds are also expected, which could cause damage to infrastructure and pose a risk to pedestrians. The mayor advised residents to stay away from trees, billboards, and other objects that could be affected by the strong gusts.
Transportation services may also be affected by the severe weather, with disruptions and delays expected. The mayor advised residents to check with transportation authorities for any updates or changes to their schedules.
Overall, the mayor’s warning and advice aim to prioritize the safety and well-being of Madrid’s residents during this period of extreme weather. By staying informed, staying at home, and taking precautionary measures, residents can help minimize the risks associated with the torrential rain and storms.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves, Madrid!