It seems that drought and downpours go hand in hand because of global warming. We have experienced it these days in some parts of the country, where it is advisable to take the utmost care on the road.
Weather swings are typical of the climate change we are immersed in. Since last week there has been torrential rain in Valencia and in regions such as Galicia and Castile and León. During barely the first day of the storm, the village of O Vierio (in the Ourense municipality of Villar de Santos) was badly affected, while firefighters in Santiago were busy at various points around the city, according to La Voz de Galicia.
Early this week the emergency alert for torrential rain and flooding was lifted in Ávila, where at least 13 municipalities were affected in the La Moraña area, as reported by COPE. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), 2023 was the warmest year in Spain since at least 1916. It was also one of the driest… although that will not spare us storms and occasional flooding.
The essential recommendations, should we find ourselves in the middle of torrential rain, are there. Because the first and most important is not to take any vehicle, unless we have no other choice. According to a study by the University of Texas (USA), it seems that droughts and floods are going hand in hand because of global warming. We need to be prepared.
The DGT called for caution in snow-covered areas
Last week the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) called for caution from those who had to travel through the centre of the country, in this case due to snowfall. Snow has also affected the peninsula at the start of this year. As well as urging people not to drive unless it was essential, the DGT reminded drivers that, with an orange warning, it is better to avoid road journeys. Failing that, it explained that it would be wise to check the state of the roads and travel equipped with chains, winter tyres or all-season tyres.
These weather phenomena may lead the authorities to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles, or of those not fitted with the tyres mentioned above. Alternative diversions, preventive total closures, speed limits, overtaking bans… are other measures that may be adopted for the safety of all drivers.
Accordingly, these days the DGT has asked for the following:
- Leave the left lane clear, driving in convoy, that is, one vehicle behind another. The idea is to allow road maintenance vehicles and snowploughs through.
- Pay attention to the signs on the variable message panels, as well as to the instructions of the officers of the Guardia Civil Traffic Group.
- Take extreme care when driving in the areas and on the roads affected by this forecast, having the appropriate means and equipment to travel safely (chains, winter tyres…).
- Know the snow colour codes and the corresponding driving conditions.
- Check the traffic status of the roads and the weather situation.