Protective measures against adverse weather
Civil Protection of the Generalitat warns about the need to take extreme caution due to the forecast of severe weather phenomena in the province of Barcelona, particularly in the areas of Barcelonès, Maresme and Vallès Oriental. This warning issued for Sunday, July 21, highlights the possibility of strong winds exceeding 90 km/h, risk of hail of more than two centimeters and intense storms. The objective is to protect citizens from these adverse climate events.
Activation of emergency plans
Due to the expected heavy rains, the Catalan authorities have already activated the Inuncat emergency plan since Saturday afternoon, focusing on the northwest of Catalonia. The rainfall began in the early morning, affecting various areas of the Pyrenees and moving towards the Pre-Pyrenees and the eastern half of Catalonia. During the morning, a higher incidence was observed on the central coast and pre-coastal, with episodes of hail being recorded in some specific locations. For example, at the Ulldeter station (Ripollès), up to 30.7 mm of rain accumulated in just 30 minutes.
Weather forecast
According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), the rain will continue until 20:00 hours, with showers that could leave more than 40 mm of precipitation in half an hour. Meteocat has assigned a danger level of 4 out of 6 in the most affected areas, including the northeast of the country and parts of the central coast, such as Empordà, Garrotxa, Ripollès, Gironès, Selva, Osona, Lluçanès , Maresme, Vallès Oriental, Vallès Occidental and Barcelonès. To a lesser extent, the areas of Berguedà, Bages, Baix Llobregat and Garraf could also be affected.
Impact of wind and waves on the coast
Wind gusts of up to 20 meters per second are expected, although no high danger is expected. The most affected areas would be Alt Empordà and the coasts of Tarragona to Terres de l’Ebre. In these places, there is also a possible risk of intense heat, with a degree of 3 out of 6. As part of the recent heat wave, the authorities warn of a special intensity until night in the areas of Garraf, Baix Penedès and the Tarragones. Regarding the state of the sea, waves greater than 2.5 meters are expected on the coasts of Empordà.
Recommendations and precautions
Civil Protection recommends avoiding traveling by vehicle and not parking in areas prone to flooding, such as streams or underground areas. If you have to drive, it is essential not to cross rivers or streams with water, especially in regions with greater intensity of rain expected. It is preferable to use main routes and highways, moderating speed and maintaining an adequate safety distance. If you were in the mountains, the best option is to go to high points away from the banks of rivers and channels. At home, it is advisable to avoid going down to basements or garages and ensure that there are no objects or animals that could be dragged by the water.
Consequences of the storm on hikers
Coinciding with the sudden change in climate, firefighters rescued five hikers this Sunday who were part of a group of 12 people in Canigó, affected by hypothermia problems. The French gendarmerie alerted the firefighters, who mobilized two helicopters along with GRAE teams and medical personnel. The group was located with thermal blankets. Five of them were evacuated by helicopter, three to the Vallter parking lot and two to the Camprodon park to be evaluated by the SEM. The rest of the group decided to continue their journey.