Province Malaga last night experienced one of the most intense storms of the fall, marked not only by abundant rain, but also by unprecedented electrical activity, which illuminated the skies for hours. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources, more than 2.600 rays fell throughout the province, while the Alboran Sea recorded an even higher number. It was a night where the lightning practically did not stop.
Since before midnight, the Axarquía, one of the areas most affected by the storm, was filled with comments and videos on social media, where residents described the visual spectacle as a real disco in the skyAccompanied by heavy rain, the storm left significant accumulations in several towns in Malaga.
Significant accumulations throughout the province
The State Meteorological Agency had activated the orange notice in almost the entire province of Malaga, including Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley, where more than 30 liters per square meter were exceeded in a single hour. However, the most surprising thing was the final figures: Cártama, for example, were counted up to 84,5 liters In some areas, nearly 30 fell in just one hour. To better understand the magnitude of these phenomena, it's advisable to learn how thunderstorms affect different areas, as well as what places to avoid during these types of events. featured in our article.
In other areas such as the capital of Malaga, Fuengirola and Malaga airport, also recorded considerable rainfall, reaching up to 43,4 liters per square meter in some cases, according to data from the Hidrosur network. Other locations such as Alora and Pujerra They also recorded significant accumulations, with figures close to 70 liters.
Floods and road problems
The storm not only left rain, but also a series of incidents in various locations. According to sources from the 112, since midnight more than 100 people have been attended to 70 incidents In the province, most of them were related to flooded basements of houses or accumulations of water on roads.
In the capital, the most visible effects were noticed in the San Quintin Street, where part of the pavement gave way due to the accumulation of water. In the Lope de Vega Avenue, another sinking forced traffic to be diverted. In addition, in the Cesar Vallejo Street, two vehicles were trapped in a water raft with no occupants inside, which required the intervention of firefighters for their extraction.
Tension in the interior of Malaga
The inland areas did not escape the effects of the intense storm either. In places like the Axarquía, the situation was even more dramatic, with hailstorms in municipalities such as Frigiliana, Torrox and Nerja, where minor material damage occurred. The rains, although intense, did not cause serious damage, but did flood several basements and homes.
En Ronda, rainfall was moderate compared to other parts of the province, accumulating up to 21 liters per square meterHowever, the rains recorded in the interior have been sufficient to generate a flood in several rivers, including the Turon River in the municipality of The Burgo. This flood could represent a significant relief for reservoirs in the area such as the Count of Guadalhorce, which was at 20% capacity before the rains. To understand the importance of these levels, you can also read how weather events impact reservoirs and future forecasts. in our analysis of climate trends.
Impact on reservoirs and forecasts
The rains were also felt in the reservoirs of Malaga, registering volumes of water that many were anxiously awaiting due to the prolonged drought. According to the data, in the Guadalteba Reservoir, were counted 42 liters per square meter, While in the La Viñuela Reservoir, the rains left 21,2 litersAlthough these volumes will not be sufficient to solve the water crisis, they represent a slight improvement in accumulated water reserves. To understand the evolution of these resources, see how thunderstorms affect water distribution in the region. in our dedicated article.
El forecast The State Meteorological Agency forecasts that the rains will continue over the next few days, although with less intensity. The orange and yellow alerts that were activated for this storm will be progressively deactivated on Tuesday, but the situation will continue to change due to the presence of the DANA. Temperatures will also experience a drop with maximums that will not exceed 20 degrees.
Despite the violence of the storm, for many people in Malaga and farmers, the rains represent a hope in the face of the persistent drought. The situation of the reservoirs is still critical, but this series of rains could be a partial relief in the coming days.