Antonio Sanz, the first vice-president and regional minister for the Presidency, Health and Emergencies, activated the emergency phase, Operational Situation 1, of Andalusia’s Flood Risk Emergency Plan at 11:49 in response to weather warnings for rain and storms. The Andalusia Emergency Agency (EMA) also activated its Adverse Weather Monitoring Group to track forecast developments and check conditions on the ground, with particular attention to rivers, watersheds, roads and municipalities.
Operational Situation 1 is declared when an emergency can be managed using the Junta de Andalucía’s ordinary resources, or with limited additional support that does not require specific coordination by the central bodies of Spain’s National Civil Protection System. Activation entails deploying all or part of the plan’s structure and informing the public.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) had an orange warning for rain—indicating significant danger—in the Levante area of Almería province, in effect until 8 p.m. From 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., orange warnings for rain and storms were also in effect in the Guadix and Baza districts of Granada province, and the Almanzora Valley and Los Vélez districts of Almería province. AEMET forecast accumulations of up to 30 millimetres in one hour in those areas.
By the time of the announcement, incidents reported to the 1-1-2 emergency line were in Cuevas del Almanzora, Almería province. According to the Directorate General of Traffic, the AL-8105 was closed in both directions between kilometre markers 4 and 4.2 at La Rioja-Las Herrerías, and the AL-8106 was closed in both directions between kilometre markers 1.8 and 1.9 at El Arteal.
Yellow warnings for rain and storms, with up to 20 millimetres in one hour possible, were in effect in Almería’s Nacimiento and Campo de Tabernas areas from 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. In Jaén, yellow warnings were in effect during the same hours in Morena and Condado, Cazorla and Segura, the Guadalquivir Valley, and the Capital and Montes areas. Warnings were also due to take effect from 10 p.m. in Aracena district in Huelva, Sierra Norte in Seville, and Sierra and Pedroches in Córdoba. Málaga and Cádiz were the only provinces without active warnings.
The EMA advised people to avoid road travel during periods of intense rain. If travel is essential, it recommended checking road conditions beforehand, following instructions from officers and information signs, reducing speed and leaving more space between vehicles. People should not cross flooded areas or stretches of standing water. If rising water catches someone in a vehicle, they should leave it once the water rises above the wheel axle. The agency also advised against camping or parking beside river channels, even when dry.
During a storm in the countryside, people should keep away from isolated trees or rocks and from metal objects. At home, if water levels rise, they should move to higher floors and avoid basements and garages. Objects that rain or wind could carry away should be removed from patios, balconies and rooftops. The 1-1-2 emergency number is free and available 24 hours a day.