Eastern Spain experienced significant flooding earlier this week following Storm Adam, which delivered exceptionally heavy rainfall to the region. The Alicante municipality of Pego recorded 632mm of precipitation over 36 hours, with 430mm falling within a six-hour period. The Valencian town of Olivia received 600mm in 24 hours. The severe weather prompted authorities to place approximately 145 municipalities across Valencia and Alicante under temporary lockdown on Monday, affecting roughly 850,000 residents. At least five fatalities have been reported, while rescue operations have saved 500 people and evacuated 2,100 others. The Balearic Islands also experienced impacts, with Ibiza recording more than 130 incidents including water accumulation at the airport that forced flight diversions and suspensions. Although conditions have begun improving, localized disruptions are anticipated to persist.
The United Kingdom is currently experiencing Storm Austen, marking the first officially named storm of the winter season. The system is moving through the Channel and bringing powerful winds to south-west England, Wales, south-west Ireland, and northern France. Wind speeds are expected to reach 50-60mph across most affected areas, though exposed north-western coastal regions of France could see gusts reaching 80-90mph.
Following closely behind Storm Austen is Storm Boelo, anticipated to cross northern Scotland on Saturday into Sunday. The UK and Ireland face increasingly unsettled conditions with additional damaging winds and sustained heavy rainfall. Western Scotland is forecast to experience the strongest gusts, while the remainder of the UK and Ireland face winds of 40-55mph. Western Ireland will see slightly stronger conditions at 50-60mph, with exposed areas of north-west Ireland and western Scotland potentially reaching 70-80mph. Rainfall associated with Storm Boelo is projected to range from 10-20mm across most regions, escalating to 30-60mm in western Ireland, Wales, and south-west England. The cumulative rainfall from both storms raises flood risk across the region.
SuperTyphoon Champi continues tracking toward China and Japan following its passage over north-eastern Taiwan on Friday. Despite weakening since Wednesday, the system maintains significant strength equivalent to a category 5 hurricane, with peak gusts at 185mph and sustained winds of 121mph. Taiwan experienced substantial rainfall this week, with forecasts indicating 900mm of additional precipitation in mountainous regions of northern and eastern Taiwan between Tuesday and Saturday. The system has prompted school closures, flight cancellations, and generated six-metre waves, with additional impacts expected in the coming days.
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