IPMA warns of possible flash floods in urban areas due to Danielle

There will be precipitation, sometimes heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, and strong gusts of wind

Floods in Albufeira on the 1st of November 2015 – Photo: Hugo Rodrigues | Sul Informação - file

"Rapid floods" in urban areas, "reduced visibility" and "considerable surface runoff of rainwater in steep areas and on burnt soils" are some of the consequences that could result from the rain that extratropical cyclone Danielle will bring, from this morning to the territory of mainland Portugal.

The alert is from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), which reported that extratropical cyclone Danielle "was centered at approximately 41°N 22°W at 12UTC today, 11 September, and is expected to gradually approach of mainland Portugal».

According to the IPMA, the associated squall lines will cause precipitation, sometimes heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, and strong gusts of wind, on the west coast from Sunday night to Monday and gradually evolving to the east.

This precipitation scenario should continue throughout the week, although with smaller amounts of accumulated precipitation from the 14th.

The wind will be from the south quadrant, blowing temporarily strong on the 12th and 13th in the western coastal strip, with gusts up to 65 km/h, and in the highlands, with gusts up to 75 km/h.

The IPMA adds that the sea wave will increase with waves from west/southwest between 2,5 and 3,5 meters of significant height from the afternoon of the 12th to the end of the 13th.

In addition, “after a prolonged period of drought, this episode of heavy rainfall could give rise to considerable surface runoff of rainwater in steep areas and on burnt soils, due to its slow infiltration”.

Additionally, and depending on the local intensity of precipitation, “there may be reduced visibility and, in urban areas, flash floods may occur”.

In the Algarve, especially in the riverside areas, you have to pay attention to the tides, which are higher at this time of September and, if they coincide with heavy periods of rain, can cause or worsen possible floods.

The IPMA also points out that “due to the uncertainty associated with the amounts of accumulated precipitation and its location, it is recommended to follow the forecast and weather warnings for the coming days”.

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has already issued a warning to the population regarding Adverse Meteorological Conditions (Intense Rain and Strong Wind).

 



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