The effects of DANA Alice have been intense since October 9. Credit: Avamet
The Generalitat’s emergency services have issued an updated weather warning for heavy rain and storms expected to affect the Valencian Community on Monday, October 13. An orange alert has been declared for rainfall along the coastal areas of Valencia and Castellón, as well as the northern coast of Alicante.
The alert will remain active from 10am to 11:59pm, with expected rainfall between 20–40 litres per square metre in one hour and up to 60–100 litres per square metre in twelve hours.
A yellow alert has also been issued for storms in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, including the northern coast of Alicante, and for rainfall across inland areas of Valencia and Castellón.
DANA Alice impact
The effects of DANA Alice have been intense since last Thursday, October 9, across the Valencian region, including the Costa Blanca, where significant rainfall has already been recorded.
The shift to an orange alert for the Costa Blanca has caught many by surprise, as forecast only suggested a yellow warning.
As the week begins, skies are expected to remain overcast, with showers and thunderstorms triggered by the convergence of mountain breezes and easterly winds, particularly in the north of La Safor, between Xeresa, Xeraco and Tavernes de la Valldigna.
Although weather models do not always capture the full extent of these maritime-origin storms, the 24-hour accumulated rainfall maps provide a good indication of the areas most likely to be affected.
More storms to come
The most intense storms today are expected near the coast or in nearby inland areas, with very heavy rainfall possible. The greatest danger arises when a storm remains stationary, as precipitation can quickly become torrential.
Forecast maps also indicate lightning activity, with offshore storms that may reach the coast. From midday through the evening, thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread.
At present, showers remain nearly stationary north of Gandia, between Xeresa, Xeraco and Tavernes de la Valldigna. Although there is no storm activity at the moment, rainfall intensity remains high, according to the latest radar images.
Additional showers without thunder are also being reported close to the coast in southern Valencia and northern Alicante.