Women walk under umbrellas during heavy rain in Spain.
Credit: Shutterstock, MikeDotta
Brace for bad weather. Storm Garoé continues to wreak havoc across Spain, with the country now on high alert for intense rainfall, tornadoes, and the looming threat of flooding. It’s set to be a washout this Tuesday, January 21, as nine provinces remain under severe warning – with Huelva in particular bracing for the worst. Authorities are advising caution across the country, but particularly for anyone in the worst affected areas.
Huelva’s orange alert: heavy rain and storms cause serious concern
As Garoé’s relentless grip tightens, Huelva in southern Spain has been hit hardest, with the region officially on orange alert due to significant rainfall. Local authorities are urging caution as flash floods become a real risk in the next 24 hours. The weather is also wreaking havoc in parts of Andalucía, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia, where it continues to chuck it down. The area is on alert for severe weather with a possible risk of tornados.
A wet week ahead: nine provinces on high alert
The storm has already soaked much of Spain with significant rainfall, and it shows no sign of stopping. Areas across the country, including Huelva, Sevilla, Ávila, Salamanca, Toledo, Badajoz, Cáceres, A Coruña, and Pontevedra, are all facing intense downpours. While the majority of the nation is gripped by these heavy rains, it’s Huelva that stands out with its orange alert warning – marking the threat as ‘high’ for localised flooding and potential damage.
A turn for the worse: thunderstorms and rising seas
To make matters worse, Huelva isn’t just battling torrential rain. The region also faces storm warnings, as Garoé stirs up powerful gusts of wind that threaten to knock over anything not nailed down. The Canary Islands are also bracing for a battering from strong waves and gusty winds. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife are all on alert for rough seas, while La Palma has received a warning for dangerous winds as well.
Temperatures on the up, but danger still looms
In a small break from the chaos, temperatures are expected to rise, and those freezing early morning chills will finally begin to ease off. However, with the continued storm front, the risk of flooding and structural damage remains a pressing concern. Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant as the stormy days ahead promise even more severe weather.
With Garoé showing no signs of easing up, many parts of Spain are wondering if they can weather the storm without further destruction. Stay tuned for more updates, as the storm’s path continues to cause havoc on everything in its wake.
Stay safe and be prudent.
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