The storm Caetanothe third high-impact event that the weather season brings to Spain, is approaching threateningly towards the Iberian Peninsula. The effects of this meteorological phenomenon are expected to begin today, Wednesday, November 20, especially in the north and east of our country, where it is expected that winds exceed 80 kilometers per hour. In addition, the strong waves on the Cantabrian coast could generate waves that would reach up to five meters in height, further complicating the situation.
This phenomenon, according to Meteoredhas been classified as having high impact by the Southwest European group, a regional coalition that integrates the meteorological services of Portugal, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain. Storms that fall into this category have considerable potential for cause significant risks. These include intense rains, hurricane-force winds and various extreme phenomena, which justifies the attention that authorities and the population must pay to their arrival.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has taken action on the matter, activating multiple warnings for Wednesday. Alert the population through a yellow notice due to dangerous coastal phenomena on the coasts of Asturias y Cantabriaas well as in Vizcaya y Guipuzcoa. These areas could experience relevant maritime disturbances. Likewise, an orange notice has been issued for the southern coastal zone of Tarragonawhere gusts of wind are anticipated that could exceed 90 kilometers per hourputting the infrastructure and safety of citizens at risk.
🌀We have a new storm with a name: Caetano.
🌬️It will cause very strong winds, especially in the north and east of the Peninsula starting on Wednesday, the 20th.
🌊It will also give rise to an intense maritime storm, with waves of more than 4 or 5 meters in the Cantabrian Sea.#BorrascaCaetano pic.twitter.com/lwtJx5wT2Y
— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) November 19, 2024
Las rains They also represent a crucial component of this storm. Regions like Galicia, Asturias, Cantabriahe the Basque Country, Navarrathe north of Aragon and the northern third of Catalonia will be especially affected. In Galicia y Cantabriarainfall could exceed 50 liters per square meter in a short period. These torrential downpours have forced authorities to maintain constant alert, preparing to deal with possible flooding and other resulting problems.
The outlook does not improve significantly for Thursday, November 21. The notices for strong winds They will remain in force in the southern and northern pre-coastal areas of Tarragona, foreseeing gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour. In addition, a new element is incorporated into the weather situation: a yellow warning for snow in the Aran Valley. Here, levels above 1,400-1,600 meters could receive snow accumulations of five centimeters or more, adding complications to traffic and daily life in the region.
The naming and classification system that confronts these storms has a clear objective: to improve preparation for their arrival and reduce the negative impacts that could result. The memory is still fresh with the disaster caused by DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) in the Valencian Community, which occurred just three weeks ago. Such experience underlines the importance of constant monitoring and an effective response by authorities and the community.
In the meantime, citizens are urged to stay informed through official sources, follow internal security and preparedness recommendations, and pay attention to weather updates.
