Up to 32 litres of rain per square metre per hour was measured overnight in the centre of Calasparra and now the Met Office has issued an Orange Weather Warning for the region.
The Orange Alert, the second highest, is for torrential rain and storms from 10am this morning, Friday, until midnight on Saturday when up to 40 litres of rain could fall per square metre per hour.
The Met Office warns residents to take precautions and avoid “imprudences.” Among the measures recommended are for those in areas in risk of flooding to move household possessions outside into the house; check roofs, septic tanks and guttering; move documents and important paperwork to areas away from the damp; and don’t park vehicles near rivers or in areas where water accumulates or passes.
Residents are also recommended to keep in touch with weather conditions by listening to the radio or, other sources of information such as this webpage. In cases of flooding it is important to abandon basement properties and cellars and to disconnect the electricity supply.
If you have to travel use main roads and motorways and, if you are in the country, keep away from rivers and low lying areas.
During storms it is recommended not to take cover under trees and to keep away from lampposts and other metal objects. If you are caught out in a storm while driving remember that a closed car is a good place of refuge.
During torrential rain there is a real risk of flooding in the Calasparra area and residents are advised to take precautions.
The emergency number is 112 and the operators speak several languages.
