Storm Claudia has been deepening northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and, according to AEMET, it is likely that remain almost stationary for several dayssending successive fronts. In this scenario, The Canary Islands, Galicia and the Cantabrian coast are the focus of warnings for rain, wind and rough seas., with an episode that is already causing numerous incidents.
The associated frontal system will bring persistent rainfall, very strong gusts of southerly wind y disturbed sea in the European AtlanticIn parallel, the temperate flow from the south It will temporarily raise temperatures and bring haze to the eastern Iberian Peninsula., with the possibility of mud rain before the arrival of cooler air.
Impact on the Canary Islands: torrential rains, wind and numerous incidents
Claudia has crossed the archipelago from west to east in the last few hours, with a high incident balanceMeasurements have been taken in La Palma 142,4 l/m² and gusts close to 80 km/h, with problems on the road network and disruption to the airport, where cancellations and delays were recorded.
In Tenerife, the front arrived at nightfall and left localized flooding, road closures due to landslides, and power outages, especially in the south and west of the island, although without any significant serious damage.
There were also incidents in El Hierro, with accumulated rainfall close to 42 l/m²And in Gran Canaria, where the heaviest rainfall was concentrated in the midlands and summits of the south, with records that exceeded 80 l/m² in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
The wind has been another key factor: in La Gomera, a gust of 109 km/h at the Alto de Igualero and in Tenerife another of 106 km/h in Izaña. In the port area, State Ports Authority ordered temporary closures in Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario as a precaution, and a woman was reported in Lanzarote with minor injuries from a sheet of metal dislodged by the gale. while the waves battered the seafront.
As a precautionary measure, the Government of the Canary Islands suspended in-person teaching activity from Wednesday afternoon on several islands and throughout the archipelago on Thursday; Classes resumed as normal once the storm subsidedUniversities and other academic centers joined the decision and teleworking was recommended where possible.
Effects on the Peninsula: Galicia and the Cantabrian coast, in the spotlight
Claudia's fronts began to enter through Galicia with Persistent rain and storms, very strong southerly winds and rough seasA Coruña and Pontevedra have activated coastal phenomena warnings with combined sea of ​​5 to 6 meters, while the wind can reach 70-90 km/h and exceed 100 km/h in mountain areas.
The instability extends to the Cantabrian coast and high areas of the northern peninsula with very intense gusts, Rainfall that may be locally heavy and risk of flooding in sensitive basins, as well as landslides on slopes and embankments. Historically, similar episodes have caused significant floods and inundations in exposed areas.
In the western part of the peninsula (Castilla y León, Extremadura and western Andalusia) are expected significant accumulations with successive frontal passes. In Galicia, rainfall is expected to be 40-80 l/m² in 12 hours., with the option of exceeding 100 l/m² in exposed regions and southern slopes of mountain systems.
In Andalusia, the storm has caused nearly 150 incidents in the province of HuelvaMost of the damage was caused by falling branches, signs or other high-altitude objects driven by the wind in coastal municipalities, as well as pools of water and minor roof damage without serious injuries.
The incident is also leaving its mark on the European scene: in Portugal, civil protection authorities have confirmed Two fatalities after a house floods in Seixal and one person slightly injured by a falling tree in the south of the country, with multiple rescues due to flooding and landslides.
Warnings and forecasts: wind, waves and temperature changes
AEMET maintains that the depression will remain almost stationary to the west of the Iberian Peninsula for several days. sending fronts that will bring widespread rain between Thursday and FridayAfter each front passes, the wind will tend to shift to the west and, with the maritime storm still significant in the Atlantic, will gradually subside.
Before stabilization, the south flow It will raise temperatures abnormally and carry Saharan dust. To the east of the peninsula, with a possibility of mud. Later, the arrival of a cooler air mass will bring temperatures down to more typical values ​​for this time of year.
With the episode underway and warnings in place, it is advisable to exercise extreme caution and heed official recommendations. Protect yourself from the waves, secure objects at height, and plan your movements. It can make a difference as long as adverse conditions persist.
- Avoid approaching seafront promenades, breakwaters and surf zones.
- Secure flowerpots, awnings and items on balconies and rooftops exposed to the wind.
- Exercise caution while driving due to puddles, poor visibility, and possible landslides.
- Check AEMET warnings and civil protection updates.
Where will it rain the most and how might it evolve?
The models point to Very high accumulations in western Galicia, with peaks that could exceed 350 l/m² over several days, in addition to 150-200 l/m² in favorable areas of northern Extremadura, western Andalusia and western Castile and León, especially on southern slopes of mountain ranges and mountain chains.
The weekend was expected to remain unsettled across much of the country, with showers and strong or very strong gustsAlthough the storm is expected to weaken as the week progresses, other Atlantic episodes have shown similar behavior to that of other stormsIn the Canary Islands, the situation will improve after the main front passes, with less organized rainfall.
Claudia will set the weather in Spain with episodes of heavy rain, wind and rough seas; The Canary Islands and the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula are leading the way in warnings and impactsMeanwhile, the population should remain attentive to the reports and adopt basic self-protection measures until the storm eases.
