Alicante Hit by Windstorm: Over 160 Incidents in 16 Hours
The recent windstorm that hit Alicante caused significant disruptions and damage across the region. Over 160 incidents were reported within a span of 16 hours, from midnight Friday to 4 PM Saturday. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
Alicante Faces Severe Windstorm Challenges
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) lifted the orange alert that had been in effect. The storm created a flurry of incidents, with the highest frequency of reports occurring from 9 AM to 1 PM. During this peak period, the firefighters dealt with 74 distinct cases.
Damage Assessment
The report from the Local Fire Department (Speis) highlighted major damage to public trees and building facades. A staggering 52.8% of all reported damages involved trees, urban furniture, containers, and signage. The storm also affected some traffic signals, with several lamps blowing off due to the high winds.
- Major incidents included:
- Downed traffic lights
- Collapsed street lamps
- Trees falling on vehicles
Other damages were seen in the form of detached awnings, metal sheets, antennas, shutters, and facade elements. The neighborhoods most impacted included Centro-Ensanche, the northern urban area (from Gran Vía to Carolinas), and Playa de San Juan-Cabo Huertas. These areas collectively experienced the bulk of emergency responses.
Preventive Measures Taken
In response to the windstorm, the Alicante City Council implemented precautionary measures. Parks, gardens, and wooded areas were closed to ensure public safety. Additionally, outdoor markets and activities were canceled until the alert was lifted.
These restrictions were gradually relaxed as the windstorm threat diminished, restoring normalcy to the city. While the storm resulted in extensive material damage, the absence of serious injuries is a positive note for the community.
Residents are now assessing the aftermath and the city is beginning to clean up the effects of the storm.
