Record Rainfall and Flooding in Spain Documented by NOAA-20 Satellite
On October 30, 2024, a powerful storm over Spain led to record-breaking rainfall and severe flooding, particularly affecting eastern and southeastern regions. The NOAA-20 satellite captured the storm and Saharan dust integrated into it. Emergency alerts were issued following catastrophic damage, including the destruction of bridges and buildings, and the disruption of highways, with Valencia experiencing its heaviest rainfall in 24 years.
On October 30, 2024, the NOAA-20 satellite notably documented an intense storm that inundated Spain with unprecedented levels of rainfall. This severe weather event was further complicated by the presence of Saharan dust, which was lifted from Africa and integrated into the storm system. The regions of eastern and southeastern Spain experienced torrential downpours resulting in substantial infrastructure damage. Meteorologists indicated that specific areas received an annual volume of rainfall within a mere eight-hour period, leading to catastrophic flooding that obliterated bridges, swept away buildings, and caused significant disruption to major roadways. In light of these conditions, Spain’s meteorological agency issued an emergency alert for the coastal Valencia region, which recorded its most significant rainfall in 24 years. The satellite imagery was acquired using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), onboard the NOAA-20 satellite, which performs a complete scan of the Earth twice daily at a resolution of 750 meters. This sophisticated instrument utilizes various visible and infrared channels for detecting atmospheric aerosols, such as dust and smoke, often associated with industrial pollution and wildfires. As a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), the NOAA-20 satellite operates alongside NOAA-21 and the NOAA/NASA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership. Together, these satellites signify a critical advancement in environmental monitoring and severe weather forecasting capabilities. The data provided by JPSS is essential for improving the accuracy and timeliness of weather predictions, particularly in the three to seven days preceding significant weather events.
The devastating flooding resulting from a storm in Spain highlighted the role of advanced satellite technology in monitoring severe weather phenomena. The NOAA-20 satellite, launched as part of the Joint Polar Satellite System, utilizes the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) to provide detailed imagery and data that are vital in assessing environmental conditions such as storms, dust, and their impact on weather patterns. In particular, the ability to track atmospheric aerosols allows meteorologists to gain a better understanding of weather systems and their potential consequences on human settlements and infrastructure. This incident serves as an example of how extreme weather, exacerbated by factors such as Saharan dust influx, can lead to significant disruptions and necessitate timely emergency responses.
The catastrophic storm that struck eastern and southeastern Spain on October 30, 2024, underscores the dire consequences of extreme weather incidents, particularly in terms of rainfall and flooding. The NOAA-20 satellite’s imaging capabilities have proven invaluable in observing and tracking such events, contributing to enhanced forecasting accuracy. As countries face the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather, advancing satellite technology and environmental monitoring efforts will be essential in fostering preparedness and mitigating disaster impacts.
Original Source: www.nesdis.noaa.gov
