Debate over banning short-distance flights takes off, but the cons outweigh the pros
Civil Protection issues advice for 'storm season'
21/08/2019
SPAIN'S Civil Protection squad has issues a series of recommendations in light of forecast storms and flash floods across the country.
The volunteer rescue and emergency service recalls that the northern parts of Aragón and Catalunya, all of Madrid, and most of the Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha have been on 'yellow' or 'orange' alerts for torrential rain, thunder and lightning since yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and will be until at least midnight tonight, possibly extending into Thursday in parts.
Flash floods in the provinces of Alicante and Castellón caused road blockages and left cars trapped, although the forecast deluges in the province of Valencia came overnight, finished within hours and gave way to bright sunshine by this morning, and do not look set to return.
The Civil Protection advises residents and visitors to keep an eye on official forecasts on TV, radio and social media, and in areas where very heavy rain is on the cards, to avoid going out on foot or by car if possible.
Drivers should take extra precautions when parking and ensure they are nowhere near a river or a flood plain, since if the water level rises and the car is swept away, it could dam up the flow and cause it to burst its banks, with disastrous consequences.
Those who cannot avoid going out in their cars should try to stick to motorways or main roads and avoid country lanes, not to stop anywhere near water, and to proceed as slowly as possible.
Sticking to higher ground is the safest option, whether driving or parking.
Civil Protection volunteers also advise keeping away from open, flat areas, tall trees, or hilltops if thunder and lightning appear, and to stay away from electrical wires or anything metal.
Seeking refuge in or near a building, but avoiding anywhere the air flows in – which includes keeping windows shut – is recommended.
The safest place during an electric storm is inside a car with the windows shut, as the rubber tyres 'earth' the lightning.
Related Topics
SPAIN'S Civil Protection squad has issues a series of recommendations in light of forecast storms and flash floods across the country.
The volunteer rescue and emergency service recalls that the northern parts of Aragón and Catalunya, all of Madrid, and most of the Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia and Castilla-La Mancha have been on 'yellow' or 'orange' alerts for torrential rain, thunder and lightning since yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and will be until at least midnight tonight, possibly extending into Thursday in parts.
Flash floods in the provinces of Alicante and Castellón caused road blockages and left cars trapped, although the forecast deluges in the province of Valencia came overnight, finished within hours and gave way to bright sunshine by this morning, and do not look set to return.
The Civil Protection advises residents and visitors to keep an eye on official forecasts on TV, radio and social media, and in areas where very heavy rain is on the cards, to avoid going out on foot or by car if possible.
Drivers should take extra precautions when parking and ensure they are nowhere near a river or a flood plain, since if the water level rises and the car is swept away, it could dam up the flow and cause it to burst its banks, with disastrous consequences.
Those who cannot avoid going out in their cars should try to stick to motorways or main roads and avoid country lanes, not to stop anywhere near water, and to proceed as slowly as possible.
Sticking to higher ground is the safest option, whether driving or parking.
Civil Protection volunteers also advise keeping away from open, flat areas, tall trees, or hilltops if thunder and lightning appear, and to stay away from electrical wires or anything metal.
Seeking refuge in or near a building, but avoiding anywhere the air flows in – which includes keeping windows shut – is recommended.
The safest place during an electric storm is inside a car with the windows shut, as the rubber tyres 'earth' the lightning.
Related Topics
More News & Information
BATTERIES from mobile phones, laptops and even cars are among those that must be recyclable within the next four years in accordance with a new European Union regulation, as explained by Spain's minister for...
ELECTRICITY could become cheaper to use at more convenient hours in a hypothetical about-turn for household bills – and that's thanks to solar power.
YET again and for the 36th year running, Spain holds the record for the highest number of blue-flagged beaches in the world, with its east-coast region of the Comunidad Valenciana having more than any other.