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Emergency warning messages have been sent to thousands of mobile phones in eastern Andalucía as authorities brace for heavy rain linked to Storm Emilia, with parts of northern Granada placed under a significant weather risk.

 

The Andalusian Emergency Agency issued an Es-Alert notification at 9.05pm on Saturday December 13 to residents in no fewer than 36 municipalities in the province of Almería, specifically in the Valle del Almanzora and Los Vélez areas.

 

These areas are under a red alert for “extraordinary danger” due to heavy rainfall expected from 6am on Sunday 14. The warning has raised concern in neighbouring areas of Granada, where conditions are also expected to deteriorate.

 

Several Granada regions, including Guadix, Baza and Huéscar, are under an orange alert for “significant risk” starting at midnight and lasting throughout Sunday. Although this is one level below the maximum alert, the proximity to red alert zones has prompted emergency services to urge caution. A yellow warning has also been issued for coastal phenomena along the Granada coast.

 

Eight of the Almería municipalities affected by the red alert directly border the province of Granada. These are Alcóntar, Serón, Tíjola, Lúcar and Oria in the Almanzora Valley, along with Chirivel, María and Vélez-Rubio in Los Vélez.

 

They neighbour Granada municipalities including Baza, Caniles, Cúllar, Orce and Puebla de Don Fadrique, increasing the risk of cross-border impacts from heavy rainfall.

 

Residents in Almería reported being startled by the loud beeping sound that accompanied the Es-Alert message, which warned: “Given this situation: exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel. Do not cross flood-prone areas and respect road closures. Do not engage in activities in or near riverbeds. If you are in a flood-prone area, seek higher ground or go to an upper floor.”

 

The message also included a link to safety guidance and reminded residents to call 112 in an emergency.

 

Storm Emilia is also being closely monitored in the Region of Murcia, where the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued orange and yellow alerts that are active all day on Sunday and until 6am on Monday 15.

 

 

The situation is even more severe up along the Valencian coast, where Aemet has activated a red alert for extreme weather risk. Authorities there are preparing for torrential rain, flash floods, severe storms and even tornadoes or waterspouts, particularly along southern coastal and pre-coastal areas.

 

 

In light of the widespread warnings, emergency services recommend avoiding road travel whenever possible, never crossing flooded areas and staying away from riverbeds, even if they appear dry. Drivers are urged to reduce speed in wet conditions and abandon vehicles if floodwaters rise above the wheel axle. At home, residents in flood-prone areas should move to higher floors and avoid basements and garages.

 

Es-Alert is a civil protection system designed to prompt immediate action when there is a serious and imminent risk. Authorities stress that following these alerts and official guidance is essential to reducing potential danger as Storm Emilia sweeps across Spain.

 

Image: Aemet