Development of storms in Barcelona
This morning, the city of Barcelona was the epicentre of a series of electrifying storms that left their mark on the sky. From three in the morning, the atmospheric phenomenon intensified, offering a spectacle of lightning and thunder that were captured by meteorologist Alfons Puertas from the Fabra Observatory. The images, which show lightning illuminating the sea, are a reminder of the power of nature.
Impact of the rains in the Catalan territory
The day before, heavy storms had already begun to wreak havoc in other regions, leaving a trail of hail in and around the Pyrenees. The Alt Empordà regions, in particular, experienced gusts of wind and torrential rain that caused considerable waves in the sea. Social media was flooded with images of the effects of the weather, from hail in Almacelles to the size of the stones in Serós-Aitona.
Weather alert and safety recommendations
In response to the situation, the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) has issued a high-risk warning for heavy rains that are expected to affect a large part of the territory, especially in the central and coastal regions. The presence of an isolated depression at high levels (DANA) is behind this climatic instability. Accumulated rainfall is expected to exceed 50 mm in some areas.
Civil Protection Tips
The deputy director of Civil Protection, Imma Solé, urged the population to stay informed before leaving home and to be cautious when engaging in outdoor activities. In addition, she emphasized the importance of taking extreme caution when driving in heavy rain conditions, suggesting that, if necessary, stop, use the turn signals and look for a safe place that does not obstruct traffic.
Monitoring of rivers and ravines
The Catalan Water Agency (ACA) warned that rivers and ravines could respond quickly to heavy rains. For its part, the Confederació Hidrològica de l’Ebre (CHE) intensified surveillance in view of the possibility of sudden flooding in the minor riverbeds in the areas of the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees of Lleida, as well as in the regions of Terres de l’Ebre and Tarragona.
A reflection on the power of nature
The recent series of storms in Catalonia not only highlights the variability of the climate, but also serves as a reminder of the need to be prepared for extreme weather events. As the global climate evolves, such events are likely to become more common, underlining the importance of awareness and planning for emergency situations.
