The La Ribera region was hit by a severe storm this Thursday, featuring exceptional winds that reached 149 km/h in Sumacàrcer, according to data from the Valencian Meteorology Association (AVAMET). In Alzira, the capital of Ribera Alta, gusts surpassed 143 km/h, causing notable damage, including harm to the Santa Caterina church. Other municipalities such as Corbera (125 km/h), L'Alcúdia (114 km/h), Benimuslem (106 km/h), Carcaixent and Gavarda (105 km/h), Castelló and Sueca (103 km/h), and Cotes (101 km/h) also recorded very strong winds.
AVAMET explained that this meteorological phenomenon was characterized by 'esclafits humits' (wet downbursts), which cause very intense wind gusts in a short period. The force of the gusts led to the fall of numerous trees, causing damage in various parts of the region. One of the most significant incidents was a tree falling onto the railway tracks between Alzira and Pobla Llarga, forcing ADIF to halt the C2 commuter line.
In Carcaixent, wind gusts reached 140 km/h, leading to power and telephone service outages. The storm also brought very intense rainfall: Alzira recorded 27.2 liters per square meter in less than half an hour, while Sumacàrcer registered 25.5 liters. The Spanish Meteorology Agency (AEMET) confirmed the storm's short duration but high intensity, warning of the need for caution, especially near fragile structures.
In Polinyà de Xúquer, 21.4 liters per square meter were recorded, with a maximum gust of 94 km/h. The storm caused a drastic temperature drop of almost twenty degrees, from 37.7 °C to 18.1 °C. The Provincial Consortium of Firefighters of Valencia attended about a dozen incidents in La Ribera, in municipalities including Alzira, Massalavés, Benimuslem, and Algemesí.
This storm follows a week of extreme heat in the Valencian Community, with maximum temperatures reaching 44.5 °C in Carcaixent yesterday, according to AEMET. The storm continued its path towards the sea, affecting areas like Cullera, El Perelló, and El Saler.
