Storm Regina hits Spain with heavy rains, 70km/hr winds and coastal warnings in several regions

Storm Regina The storm is sweeping through Spain, bringing with it heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds in large areas. Spain’s national weather agency. AEMETThe system is moving from the south to the north and multiple weather alerts have been issued. In some areas, gusts are expected to exceed 70km/h, while rough seas are forecast along many coasts. Temperatures are also expected to drop in many areas due to the unstable weather.

The storm system has already affected parts of Andalusia. Thunderstorms and rain are spreading to Castilla La Mancha, Madrid, and possibly Extremadura. The weather system is intensifying, and coastal areas and islands are being hit by strong winds and rough waves.

Canary Islands Orange alert for waves up to 7 metres

Canary Islands: one of the worst affected areas is Canary Islands. AEMET The orange alert is in effect for dangerous conditions at sea.

Forecasters have warned that waves of between five and six meters are expected. These could reach as high as six or seven metres at times around Fuerteventura, Lanzarote. The orange warning also covers the northern parts of Gran Canaria due to strong swells along the coast.

On the islands as well, gusts of wind could reach 80km/h. The majority of warnings related to coastal and wind conditions will remain in effect until late afternoon.

Residents and visitors are being urged to avoid exposed coastal areas where currents and waves could be dangerous.

Storms and heavy rain forecast for central and southern Spain

The storm will hit the southern part of Spain first, before moving slowly north. The most instabile weather is likely to be seen during the daytime, especially in Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha.

AEMET reports that some areas may experience intense but short bursts, with rain totals in some places exceeding 15 litres/square metre per hour. These downpours can also be accompanied with thunderstorms and occasionally hail.

Some locations could expect to see more than 40 litres of rainfall per square metre within 12 hours. Ceuta in Spain could also be severely affected by the conditions.

The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing strong winds and rough waves.

The wind will play a significant role in the storms impact, particularly across eastern Spain.

Meteorologists have warned that gusts exceeding 70km/h could be experienced in Albacete. Alicante Cuenca Province – inland and coastal areas. Along the Mediterranean coast, waves of up to three metres could affect areas including Barcelona, Tarragona, Murcia, Alicante and Almería.

Several regions are still under yellow alerts due to the conditions. These include rain, winds, storms, or coastal hazards. Andalusia (including Madrid), Castilla-La Mancha (including Andalusia), Catalonia, Region of Murcia and Valencian Community are among the regions that remain under yellow weather alerts.

Expect more rain as the storm moves east

Forecasters predict that Thursday will bring more rain to Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Southern Valencia, Lower Ebro, and parts of Eastern Catalonia are likely to experience persistent showers.

The Balearic Islands, the North-East of the Peninsula and other areas may also experience rain, but with a lesser intensity.

Weather experts predict that the unrest may last for several days in the northern Mediterranean and along the Cantabrian Coast, before easing off towards the end week.