Estepona on Yellow Alert for Heavy Rain and Storms on Andalusia Day
On February 28, the Costa del Sol will face intense downpours that could accumulate up to 60 liters of rain per square meter
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a yellow alert for Estepona and other areas of the Costa del Sol due to the forecast of heavy rain and storms on Friday, February 28, Andalusia Day. The downpours, which could accumulate up to 60 liters per square meter, are expected to mainly affect the western half of the Costa del Sol, from Fuengirola to Manilva.
The alert will be in effect from 9:00 AM until midnight, with a probability ranging between 40% and 70% for intense rainfall. During this period, up to 20 liters per square meter could fall in one hour, prompting AEMET to activate the yellow level alert for moderate risk in the area.
Risk of Storms and Significant Rainfall
The AEMET meteorological center in Estepona has indicated that the heaviest rain is expected in the western half of the Costa del Sol, where up to 60 liters per square meter could accumulate throughout the day. Additionally, occasional storms are not ruled out, which could further intensify the rainfall. While the rain will primarily benefit the La Concepción reservoir, which supplies water to Marbella and its metropolitan area, the heavy downpours could cause traffic disruptions and problems in both urban and rural areas.
Forecasts also predict that Ronda and the Serranía will be under a yellow alert, with rainfall accumulations of up to 15 liters per square meter in one hour and totals of up to 40 liters per square meter over 12 hours.
It Isn´t Another DANA
Although some have speculated that this could be a new isolated cold low (DANA), AEMET clarifies that the expected storm is not an isolated DANA but a depression located within a large trough of an extratropical jet stream. While similar to a DANA in behavior, this phenomenon has different characteristics that do not pose the same prolonged impact risk.
Although Estepona's risk level is classified as "yellow," local authorities advise residents to take precautions, especially in areas more vulnerable to flooding. It is recommended to avoid driving in low-lying areas where water could accumulate, and to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts throughout the day.
Andalusia Day in Estepona and its surroundings will be marked by challenging weather conditions due to the forecasted rain and storms. The likelihood of significant rainfall and occasional storms increases the risk of disruptions during the festive day, so both residents and tourists are advised to prepare for potential weather changes. The situation will continue to be monitored, and the alert is expected to remain in effect until midnight on Friday.
Source: Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET)