Pyrénées-Orientales Remains on Orange Alert for Rain-Flood

The Pyrénées-Orientales region is currently experiencing a significant weather event characterized by heavy rainfall. The department has been placed on orange vigilance, the second-highest level of alert, indicating potential dangers associated with the current conditions. This status requires heightened awareness from both the population and emergency services.

Despite the ongoing alert, meteorological data suggests an imminent improvement in the situation. The rain, which has been falling heavily, is showing signs of weakening. This trend is consistent with the forecast indicating a gradual decrease in precipitation levels over the next few hours.

The transition from heavy rain to lighter precipitation is a critical phase in managing flood risks. As the rain intensity drops, the amount of water accumulating on the ground and in waterways will decrease, reducing the immediate threat of flash flooding.

Weather forecasts provide specific metrics regarding the expected decrease in rainfall. The intensity of the precipitation is projected to fall within a range of 5 to 10 mm per hour. This represents a substantial reduction compared to the rates observed during the peak of the storm.

To put this into perspective, rainfall rates exceeding 10 mm per hour are often classified as heavy rain, contributing rapidly to surface runoff and potential flooding. By dropping to the 5-10 mm range, the rain becomes moderate, allowing the soil and drainage systems to handle the water volume more effectively.

Key details regarding the rainfall forecast include:

• Current status: Orange Alert remains active
• Expected intensity: 5 to 10 mm per hour
• Timeline: Decrease expected before cessation
• End of event: Rain to stop in the Sunday morning timeframe

The timeline for the end of this weather event is clearly defined. The reduction in rainfall intensity is not immediate but is expected to occur progressively before the rain stops completely. This sequence is crucial for the gradual stabilization of the environment.

The critical timeframe is the Sunday morning period. During these hours, the rain is expected to taper off and eventually cease entirely. This marks the end of the active precipitation phase of the weather alert.

Once the rain stops, the focus will shift to the recession of floodwaters and the assessment of any impacts caused by the weather. The lifting of the orange alert will likely follow once authorities confirm that the risk of flooding has passed.

In summary, the Pyrénées-Orientales department is currently under an orange alert for rain-flood conditions. However, the situation is evolving favorably. The intensity of the rainfall is decreasing, dropping to levels between 5 and 10 mm per hour.

This improvement is expected to culminate in the complete cessation of rain during the Sunday morning hours. While the alert remains in effect for now, the forecast provides a clear outlook for the return to normal weather conditions. Residents should continue to follow official advice until the alert is officially deactivated.