River Tormes on Yellow Alert Following Heavy Rainfall from Storm Bruna

The Duero Hydrographic Confederation (CHD) has issued a yellow alert for the Tormes River as persistent, heavy rainfall associated with Storm Bruna continues to impact the region. The surge in water levels has prompted authorities to maintain a state of heightened vigilance across rivers and smaller streams throughout the basin.

As of the latest reports, the Tormes River is under a yellow alert at the El Barco de Ávila control point, where it has exhibited a steady upward trend in volume. Officials have cautioned residents and local entities downstream to exercise extreme care. The rapid increase in flow has been significant, with the river doubling its height and increasing its discharge rate by a factor of one hundred within a 24-hour period at this location.

The impact of the storm has been widespread, with La Covatilla recording over 130 liters of rainfall in a single area, establishing it as one of the wettest locations in Spain. This influx of water has moved through the province, causing a sudden rise in the river's flow at Puente del Congosto, where current measurements have reached over 500 cubic meters per second. Local reports indicate that the rising waters have already inundated areas near the riverbanks, including local recreational facilities.

In response to the escalating situation, the Civil Guard has deployed the Citizen Security Unit (USECIC) to the Puente del Congosto area to assist with traffic control, surveillance, and public safety efforts. Authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to refrain from entering areas that are flooded or at high risk of inundation.

The CHD continues to issue at least three flood reports daily to ensure that Civil Protection services and other relevant agencies remain informed for preventative action. Under the established Inuncyl protocol, once an alert phase is declared, the regional administration is tasked with implementing measures to minimize potential human, environmental, and material damage, while keeping the public informed through official communication channels.

While the Tormes remains under a yellow alert, meteorological agencies have issued higher-level warnings for neighboring regions, including a red alert in northern Cáceres. The combination of saturated ground and ongoing precipitation has led to concerns regarding localized flooding in smaller tributaries throughout the province. Officials emphasize that the situation remains dynamic, with the potential for further rises in water levels as the storm's effects continue to move through the basin.