The Government of Castilla-La Mancha activated the plan METEOCAM in the Fase de Alerta (Situación Operativa 0) for the province of Albacete on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at 13:00. The trigger was official warnings from AEMETFor the comarcas Alcaraz y Segura as well as Hellín y Almansa an Orange warning for heavy rain is in force from 14:00 to 20:59, with peak rainfall of up to 30 litres per square metre in one hour (30 mm) expected. Yellow warnings are also in place for La Mancha albaceteña, Alcaraz y Segura and Hellín y Almansa. Thunderstorms with large hail and very strong gusts of wind are also possible.
The activation of METEOCAM brings together prevention and emergency coordination across the province. The service 112 Castilla-La Mancha informed municipalities and emergency crews so that local preparedness could be adjusted, alert levels raised and critical locations such as underpasses, low-lying areas and watercourses monitored more closely. The measure is preventive and is intended to ensure rapid communication between municipalities, firefighters, Guardia Civil and emergency services.
AEMET says the alerts are based on convection expected in the afternoon, which could produce intense, localised downpours and thunderstorm cells. Experts see increased risks of flash flooding in poorly drained areas, traffic disruption due to aquaplaning or fallen branches, and hail damage, particularly to crops. According to the warning, the period of greatest likelihood is between 14:00 and 20:59; local variations are possible.
Context: The regional government’s activation of METEOCAM and the warning levels published by AEMET for the comarcas listed are confirmed. Attributed assessments by the authorities concern the plan’s preventive nature and the recommendation to follow local advice. The scale and precise distribution of possible damage remain uncertain, as they depend on the development of individual thunderstorm cells. No general evacuations or road closures were announced in advance; any measures will be decided locally according to the situation.
The authorities advise people to follow official announcements in the affected municipalities and avoid hazardous areas such as riverbanks, underpasses and flooded roads. In an emergency, call 112.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).