Spain floods leave at least five dead as UK braces for two winter storms
Storm Adam dumped 632mm of rain on Pego in 36 hours, putting about 850,000 people in Valencia and Alicante under lockdown, as the UK prepares for storms Austen and Boelo.
At a glance
- Storm Adam dropped 632mm of rain on Pego, Alicante, in 36 hours, with 430mm of that falling in six hours.
- At least five people have died in eastern Spain; 500 people were rescued and 2,100 evacuated.
- Storm Austen and Storm Boelo are set to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to the UK and Ireland.
At least five people have died in eastern Spain and about 850,000 residents were placed under a temporary lockdown after Storm Adam brought extreme rainfall to Valencia and Alicante earlier this week.
In Pego, Alicante, 632mm of rain fell in 36 hours, with 430mm of that recorded in just six hours. The Valencian town of Olivia received 600mm in 24 hours. As a result, 145 municipalities across Valencia and Alicante were put under temporary lockdown on Monday.
At least five people have died, 500 have been rescued and 2,100 evacuated. The Balearic Islands were also affected, with more than 130 incidents recorded in Ibiza, including standing water at the airport that caused some flights to be diverted or suspended. Although the worst of the storm has passed and conditions are improving across Valencia and Alicante, local disruption is expected to continue.
UK: Storm Austen, then Storm Boelo
In the UK, Storm Austen — the first named storm of the winter — is tracking through the Channel, bringing damaging winds to south-west England and Wales, as well as south-west Ireland and northern France. Gusts of around 50-60mph are expected, while exposed north-western coasts of France could see winds of up to 80-90mph.
Storm Boelo follows quickly behind, and is expected to track across northern Scotland on Saturday into Sunday. Western Scotland will face the strongest gusts, while the rest of the UK and Ireland see 40-55mph winds. Western Ireland could see 50-60mph, rising to 70-80mph in exposed north-western parts. Rainfall of 10-20mm is forecast, with as much as 30-60mm in western Ireland, Wales and south-west England. Coming on top of the rain from Storm Austen, this increases the risk of flooding.
Typhoon Champi heads for China and Japan
Super Typhoon Champi is headed towards China and Japan over the weekend after passing north-eastern Taiwan on Friday. It has weakened since Wednesday but remains a significant typhoon, with the equivalent strength of a category 5 hurricane, producing 185mph gusts and sustained winds of 121mph.
Up to 900mm of rain is forecast to fall in the mountainous regions of northern and eastern Taiwan from Tuesday to Saturday, following torrential rain associated with the typhoon this week. Schools have closed, flights have been cancelled and six-metre waves have been recorded, with more impacts expected over the next few days.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- How much rain fell during Storm Adam in Spain?
- Pego in Alicante received 632mm in 36 hours, including 430mm in six hours, while the Valencian town of Olivia received 600mm in 24 hours. About 850,000 people were placed under temporary lockdown.
- Which storms are hitting the UK this winter?
- Storm Austen is the first named winter storm, bringing 50-60mph gusts to south-west England, Wales, south-west Ireland and northern France. Storm Boelo follows, tracking across northern Scotland on Saturday into Sunday.
- Where is Super Typhoon Champi heading?
- It is headed towards China and Japan over the weekend after passing north-eastern Taiwan on Friday. Up to 900mm of rain is forecast in Taiwan's mountainous northern and eastern regions.
