The Philippines is currently experiencing its first tropical storm of the year, Ada – also known as Nokaen. The storm developed on Friday and has been moving northwards along the east coast, bringing with it heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Storm Impacts in the Philippines
Ada is expected to remain a tropical storm through Tuesday, with rainfall potentially reaching up to 200mm per day and wind gusts near the storm’s center reaching 65mph. The system is forecast to weaken as it encounters the north-east monsoon, potentially transitioning into a tropical depression. This could lead to continued rain and strong winds later in the week.
Authorities have issued warnings for storm surges and are anticipating flooding over the next week. The risk of landslides and lahars – volcanic mudflows – is elevated around Mayon volcano on Luzon island. Disruptions to travel, school closures, and power outages have already been reported in vulnerable areas.
Mediterranean Storm and Cold Snap
Elsewhere, a separate weather system, named Storm Harry by the Spanish meteorological service Aemet, is moving through the Mediterranean. Impacts are expected to begin Monday afternoon, with heavy rainfall forecast for Catalonia, the Valencian community, and southern Aragon in Spain.
Impacts Across Southern Europe
The storm is also expected to affect the Balearics, south-west France, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, and the south-west of the Italian mainland. Orange warnings are in place for Monday, anticipating up to 70mm of rain in 24 hours. Sicily and Calabria, Italy, are under a red weather warning for Tuesday, with forecasts of over 100mm of rain. Strong easterly winds, with gusts up to 60mph, are also expected across Sicily, Calabria, and eastern Corsica.
Malta is bracing for strong winds and rough seas, with waves potentially reaching 11 metres, threatening exposed coastal areas. These winds follow recent damaging hailstorms in Malta, where hailstones up to a couple of centimetres in diameter fell, particularly in the Rabat area.
Finally, Eastern Europe is experiencing a cold spell. Temperatures are currently 5-7C colder than seasonal norms and could drop to -15C to -18C in parts of Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltics later this week – a full 10C below average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lahar?
A lahar is a volcanic mudflow composed of a mixture of volcanic ash, rock, and water. They are a risk around Mayon volcano in the Philippines due to the potential for heavy rainfall to mobilize loose volcanic material.
What is the difference between a tropical storm and a tropical depression?
A tropical storm has sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph, while a tropical depression has sustained winds of 38 mph or less. The system is expected to weaken from a tropical storm to a tropical depression.
How strong are the winds expected with Storm Harry?
Storm Harry is expected to bring strong easterly winds, with gusts up to 60mph across Sicily, Calabria, and eastern parts of Corsica.
How will communities balance necessary preparations for these weather events with the ongoing challenges of daily life?
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