Mallorca storm nears after 1,700 lightning strikes an hour

Mallorca is expecting around 50 litres per square metre as a storm front moves towards the island after disrupting schools on the Pitiusas on Thursday. Pupils there began leaving in stages from 13:00 because of the weather. Pablo Gárriz, director general of Emergencies, said the departure was quick and orderly, with only isolated traffic jams.

Schools had alerted families through different channels, which helped the children leave smoothly, Gárriz said.

Lightning and wind hit the Pitiusas

The storm brought wind, thunderstorms and about 1,700 lightning strikes an hour. Emergency services dealt with 45 to 50 incidents.

Drainage channels in the torrents worked well and caused no problems, according to Gárriz. The heaviest rain over the Balearics did not fall directly on land.

Front heads towards Mallorca

Civil Protection’s orange alert remains in force on the Pitiusas, where more rain is expected. The front is due to reach Mallorca in the coming hours, but in a much weaker state.

Gárriz said storm bands can switch between very active cells and spells of apparent calm.

Topics: Education

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com