Orange alert for Cartagena with torrential rain and storms forecast on Wednesday

The alert will run from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, while residents and drivers are being urged to take extra care as torrential rain could cause flooding

Aemet has issued an orange weather warning for Cartagena on Wednesday September 9, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected across the area. The warning is currently expected to come into force at 1:00 pm and continue through the night until 7:00am on Thursday morning. It will be downgraded to yellow from midnight.

Aemet is forecasting rainfall of up to 30 litres per square metre in just one hour, with the orange warning classed as an "important danger".

The Ayuntamiento de Cartagena has now activated its municipal services at the pre-emergency level and is taking precautions ahead of the expected weather.

Residents are being reminded to check drains and downpipes around their homes, particularly on terraces and roofs, and to make sure drains in basements and garages are clear.

Public parks will also be closed and areas around large trees will be cordoned off as a precaution. For anyone who needs to drive, Policía Local is advising people to take extra care. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and increase braking distances, so drivers should slow down, leave plenty of space between vehicles and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Several roads have also been highlighted as ones to avoid if the rain becomes torrential.

These include the N-301a where it crosses the El Albujón rambla, the RM-F35 between Cartagena and La Aparecida and the F-37 towards La Aparecida.

The RM-F54 between Los Belones and Islas Menores could also be affected, along with several roads around La Aljorra. The Camino XIV del Sifón, which runs towards Los Dolores, has also been highlighted.

Another route to be particularly careful on is the Camino del Sifón, which connects Santa Ana and El Bohío with Cartagena through Las Tejeras, as water can quickly build up there during heavy rain.
Policía Local is also reminding drivers never to try to cross a flooded road or a rambla where water is flowing. Even if the water doesn't look particularly deep, a strong current can sweep a vehicle away.

The advice from the Ayuntamiento is to stay off the roads where possible during torrential rain and check conditions before setting off.

Image: Aemet