After the recent DANA who devastated the Valencian Community and left in its wake significant material damage and damage to the population, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) stressed the importance for citizens to understand the meaning of weather alert levels.
THE AEMET It aims to ensure that the population can correctly interpret the seriousness of each situation to take the necessary precautions according to the alert level activated and thus minimize the risks.
These alerts are activated when the forecasts of certain weather phenomena exceed thresholds established in the areas delimited by Weather alertwhich could have different consequences on the population and property. These are not exact values, but rather thresholds, exceeding which represents a significant risk.
Three alert levels: yellow, orange and red
THE AEMET use a three-level alert scale to communicate the severity of weather conditions and recommended actions:
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Yellow level: Indicates low risk, in which vulnerable assets and populations or in exposed areas could experience some impacts. In this case, AEMET recommends be attentive and stay informed with updated weather forecasts.
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Orange level: Indicates significant danger, as vulnerable populations and assets in exposed areas may be seriously affected. At this level, the recommendation is be ready and take the necessary precautions to avoid risks, in addition to following the latest weather information.
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Red level: This is the highest alert level and signals extraordinary danger. Assets and populations in exposed or vulnerable areas could suffer impacts very serious or catastrophic. AEMET calls on the population to take preventive measures And act according to the instructions of the authorities. Unnecessary travel should be avoided and all possible precautions should be taken to protect people and property, particularly in areas sensitive to the effects of the phenomena.
Types of warnings depending on the type of precipitation
Concerning precipitation, AEMET distinguishes two types of alerts: precipitation accumulated in 12 hours And precipitation accumulated in 1 hour. Activation of these warnings depends on whether a specific threshold is exceeded, as it is not based on exact values but on the potential impact that such precipitation levels can have in each region.
According to AEMET, these alerts are essential so that citizens can make informed decisions and be able to adequately prepare for weather risk situations, especially when the alert level is extreme.
For more information, AEMET invites you to consult its website and stay tuned for updates via its Météoalerta alert platform, which details the affected areas and the possible risks associated with each phenomenon.
