Summary
- Multiple municipalities in Alicante province, including Alicante city and Elche, suspend classes on tuesday due to heavy rain alert.
- Universities Miguel Hernández (UMH) and Alicante (UA) also suspend lectures amid safety concerns.
- Orange alert for flooding issued across the Valencian Community with risks of sudden floods and winds up to 100 km/h.
- Severe weather caused power outages in orihuela and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure.
- Authorities close parks, sports facilities, and cultural activities as precautionary measures.
Strong Rainstorm Forces Suspension of Classes Across Alicante Province
The province of Alicante faces a severe weather episode as several municipalities, including the capital city Alicante, have announced the suspension of classes on Tuesday amid an orange alert for torrential rain and strong winds. The decision affects towns such as Elche, Orihuela, el Campello, Callosa del Segura, Sant joan, Albatera, Rafal, Cox, and others, reflecting heightened concern over safety due to the ongoing intense weather system.
Severe Weather Details and Impact
The storm system swept rapidly through the interior regions, with the coastal areas – including destinations like Torrevieja and guardamar – experiencing minor effects. Powers of nature were felt more intensely in areas like Redován and Callosa de Segura, where rainfall totaled approximately 31 liters per square meter, accompanied by hurricane-strength winds reaching up to 100 km/h.
- Power outages: Orihuela suffered blackouts starting at 3 PM, caused by a fallen transmission tower during the storm.
- Wind damage: Trees toppled in Xàtiva and Benigànim causing disruptions, including a fallen tree on a school bus in Alzira, though luckily without injuries.
- Sudden floods risk: authorities warn about the possibility of flash floods in ravines and riverbeds due to continuous heavy rainfall.
institutional and Municipal Measures
| Institution / Municipality | Measures Taken |
|---|---|
| Alicante City | Suspended classes; closure of parks, gardens, and the Santa Bárbara Castle. |
| El Campello | Classes and cultural events suspended; parks, cemetery, sports facilities closed; telework recommended. |
| Elche | all schools and extracurricular outdoor activities suspended. |
| Orihuela, cox, callosa del Segura | Classes suspended. |
| Universidad Miguel Hernández & Universidad de Alicante | Lectures suspended; monitoring weather impact. |
weather Forecast and Ongoing Alerts
The labouratory of Climatology of the University of Alicante forecasts further thunderstorms for the following day with the potential for:
- Heavy rain exceeding 100 liters per square meter in some locations.
- Strong, intense wind gusts.
- Possibility of hail.
Due to these predictions, the Plan Especial de Inundaciones (Flood Special Plan) remains in Situation 1 (orange alert) across the entire Valencian Community. Authorities urge residents to follow official safety recommendations and stay updated through local emergency channels.
Authorities and Government Response
President Carlos mazón has personally traveled to the Vega Baja area to monitor the storm’s evolution and coordinate emergency response efforts. The Generalitat Valenciana continues to stress extreme precaution as the storm may worsen in the coming days.
Thanks to quick emergency interventions,injuries have been avoided despite the storm’s intensity. Nonetheless, local governments are maintaining strict vigilance and precautionary measures, prioritizing citizen safety.
What Residents Should Know and Do
- Stay informed through official weather alerts and local government notices.
- Avoid outdoor activities until the storm subsides.
- Follow closure advisories for parks, schools, and public facilities.
- Be prepared for sudden flooding and avoid driving through flooded roads.
- Report any emergencies to local services immediately.
Residents can expect ongoing weather volatility in Alicante province and neighboring areas. Safety remains the priority as heavy rains and strong winds continue to challenge the region.
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