Storm Charles sweeps Málaga province. Parks shut in Marbella and Antequera

Subtropical storm Charles was forecast to cross Málaga province from west to east on Wednesday 11 November, under an amber weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds. Several towns, including Marbella and Antequera, closed parks as a precaution, according to SUR in English.

Key facts

• Warning: SUR in English reported an amber warning for Málaga province on Wednesday, for heavy rain and strong winds.
• Timing: the centre of the storm was forecast over Ronda, Estepona and Marbella at around 5pm, and over Málaga city and the Guadalhorce Valley at around 6pm.
• Duration: by 8pm it was expected to have spread across the whole province, and to leave eastwards at around 11pm.
• Closures: Marbella shut four parks; Antequera also closed parks.
• Aftermath: Málaga Hoy reported that Charles passed quickly through Málaga and left almost 60 litres of rain in one afternoon.

A slow start, then a stronger storm

Diario Sur and SUR in English reported that Charles was taking its time to arrive. Light rain from the early hours was still the tail end of the previous storm, Bruna, while Charles was forecast to be more powerful.

The timings come from the latest run of the Harmonie forecast model, which is one of the main sources of information for Aemet, Spain's state weather agency. Diario Sur said it was consulted by weather communicator José Luis Escudero.

SUR in English added that the storm was not expected to last long. Diario Sur also noted that Andalucía had recorded 195 emergencies since Bruna arrived.

The Olive Press reported maximum warnings in La Palma and parts of Cáceres and Ávila, and said schools had shut along the Cádiz coast. Its report headline refers to a red alert on the Costa del Sol, but SUR in English describes the warning for Málaga province as amber.

Parks closed in Marbella and Antequera

Marbella town hall closed the parks of Nagüeles, Vigil de Quiñones and La Constitución in Marbella, and Los Tres Jardines in San Pedro Alcántara. Councillor Diego López said: "The measure is to ensure the safety of residents in the face of adverse conditions, which could particularly affect the municipality's wooded areas and green spaces." The parks will reopen when conditions allow.

The town hall asked residents to take every possible precaution, follow the advice of the emergency services and 112 Andalucía, and rely only on official sources for information.

Aftermath

Málaga Hoy's headline reported that Charles crossed Málaga quickly and left almost 60 litres of rain in one afternoon. Its earlier item said the storm had raised alarms over the risk of heavy rain. The text of those items was not available to us beyond the headlines.

What to do

Residents can check current warnings with Aemet and follow 112 Andalucía and their town hall for local closures.