Mallorca storm warning: gusts could hit 90 km/h

Mallorca faces heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusts of up to 90 km/h on Wednesday afternoon as emergency services reinforce their response across the Balearics. Spain’s state weather agency, Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), expects the worst of the weather to last until the start of the night. It describes a fast but intense spell lasting two to three hours.

An orange warning has been activated, and the technical advisory committee for the Meteobal weather emergency plan met at midday on Wednesday. Eduardo Parga, director of the 112 Emergency Coordination Centre, said all agencies had strengthened their services and remained on constant alert.

Rain, hail and rough seas

The front approaching from the Spanish mainland could bring up to 50 litres of rain per square metre in an hour, with accumulated rainfall of up to 100 litres per square metre. Thunderstorms may bring hail, while gusts linked to the storms could briefly reach 90 km/h.

Waves of between two and four metres are forecast at sea. Ciutadella, Menorca, could also see a rissaga — a sudden swing in sea level — of up to 90 centimetres. Forecast models still allow for the strongest part of the storm to remain mainly over the sea, which would greatly reduce its impact on the islands.

Schools expected to open normally

The heaviest rain, storms and wind are expected to end on Wednesday in Mallorca and Menorca. Eivissa and Formentera may see lighter rain and thunderstorms overnight.

On Thursday, only residual wind and coastal effects are expected. The Education Department joined the emergency meeting, and officials said classes should begin normally if the forecast holds, although schools undergoing building work remain a concern.

Topics: Storms · Weather · Education · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com