Red warning over Storm Charles in Ávila, Cáceres and La Palma as the CHD raises Tormes alert to red

Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special warning for heavy and persistent rain, very strong gusts and rough seas, with a red warning in northern Cáceres, southern Ávila and the island of La Palma, according to RTVE. Europa Press reports that 14 regions and Ceuta are under warnings on Wednesday for rain, wind and waves.

According to Europa Press, the Duero River Basin Authority (CHD) has raised to red the alert over the rising Tormes river at Puente del Congosto (Salamanca).

The storm is caused by the combination of two low-pressure systems, Bruna and Charles, according to RTVE. Based on the AEMET forecast cited by the broadcaster, more than 120 litres could fall in 12 hours in the western half of the Sistema Central, gusts could reach 130 km/h in La Palma and between 100 and 120 km/h in low-lying areas of the southwest, and waves of 5 to 6 metres are expected in the Gulf of Cádiz.

AEMET warns, according to RTVE, of possible flooding and rising rivers and ravines, and that in the areas of the Sistema Central that burned this summer, rainfall over the whole episode could exceed 300 litres per square metre and cause landslides. It advises people living in the affected areas to stay at home as far as possible, unless the authorities say otherwise.

Conditions will improve from Thursday, when Charles moves away to the northeast, although heavy showers are still possible in the north, according to the same forecast. There is still no official tally of damage or incidents for the day.