Storm Kristin batters the Rock; severe weather warning in place

Storm Kristin has battered the Rock.

Gibraltar has once again experienced heavy rain and gale force winds.

Over the past two days, three storm systems have affected the area - leading to road closures, damage to buildings, and some flooding.

It's been a wet and windy couple of days and two low pressure systems in the North Atlantic, Storm Joseph and Storm Chandra are to blame.

Gibraltar has seen gusts recording just below 50 knots, with rainfall totals collected between Tuesday and Wednesday at 44.8 mm.

Storm Kristin, a separate low pressure continues to affect Southern Iberia and Gibraltar through Wednesday and into Thursday, bringing further rainfall and Gale Force winds.

With the relentless heavy rains and strong winds, people have been advised to secure outdoor furniture; to avoid walking close to construction sites; and to stay indoors if possible.

The Government also issued advice for the elderly and vulnerable. It says there was an increase in A&E visits yesterday by people who had fallen due to the weather.

It says elderly or vulnerable people who need help with essentials like urgent prescriptions and medication can call 111.

Government Technical Services teams have been responding throughout the storm, dealing with significant debris on roads and working continuously to keep gullies clear to reduce the risk of flooding.

The RGP says its Control Room received 31 calls for service, 15 of which have related to today’s severe weather conditions. 

RGP Response Team officers, supported by the Community Policing and Marine units, have spent the day addressing reports of falling debris, loose masonry, and fallen trees as well as managing "business as usual" duties throughout the community.

As far as visible damage goes, the Europa Sports Complex has been closed due to what the Sports and Leisure Authority says is “severe water ingress”.

The MUGA and all outdoor facilities were also closed. A number of classrooms and facilities at Bayside School have also seen flooding. 

Part of a roof has come off at Tradewinds. There was damage too at the 'Karma' bar in eastern beach.

The Raptor Unit Portacabin at Windmill Hill was destroyed by the high winds, with GONHS telling GBC the cabin will be assessed once the weather improved but will likely not be salvaged.

Meanwhile, a tree fell outside the airport, and branches also came down at Line Wall Road, Devil’s Tower Road and Montagu Gardens.

Dudley Ward Tunnel was closed for most of the day but reopened this evening.

The Royal Gibraltar Police advised motorcyclists, cyclists, and PLET users are strongly advised to avoid the area entirely.

It adds drivers should slow down, brake earlier and leave a bigger gap between vehicles – and that they should keep their lights and wipers on.

Drivers should also avoid areas that are flooded, and be mindful of pedestrians. The Upper Rock is still closed to visitors, though not for residents.

The road at Hardings Way, leading to the University of Gibraltar, also remains closed. The RGP says this is due to loose hoarding and debris.

The road to Rosia Bay was also closed due to what the Royal Gibraltar Police said was a “suspected rock fall in the area”. 

And the sundail by the airport also suffered damage.

Rain is expected to ease through the night but the wind will increase again with strong southwesterlies. Thursday will see another wet and windy day, although certainly toned down from today.