Madrid activates flood plan due to heavy rains and storms

The State Meteorological Agency has raised the alert level to orange for intense rainfall and hail in the capital and the Henares area.

Generic image of emergency lights reflected on wet asphalt.
IA

Generic image of emergency lights reflected on wet asphalt.

The Madrid City Council has launched the Flood Action Plan (PAINUNAM) in its operational Alert and Monitoring phase, due to worsening weather forecasts predicting intense rain and storms.

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has raised the alert level to orange, indicating significant risk, for rain and storms in the Metropolitan area and Henares for this Thursday, May 7 afternoon. Intense precipitation is expected, potentially accumulating up to 30 mm of water in just one hour, valid from 2:00 PM to 8:59 PM. Storms may be accompanied by very strong wind gusts and localized hail.
While the capital and the Corredor del Henares are under an orange alert, the rest of the Community of Madrid remains under a yellow alert, indicating low danger. In the Sierra, as well as in the South, Vegas, and West areas, accumulated precipitation of 15 mm per hour is expected, with active storms from midday.

"The public is advised to take extreme precautions due to the possibility of water pooling on roads and wind gusts that could affect street furniture or trees."

Emergencias Madrid
The city council will maintain active monitoring of the situation to coordinate municipal services in case of serious incidents. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak intensity of the storm and to secure items on terraces and balconies. In any risk or emergency situation, contact 112 immediately.