Guadeloupe Downgraded to Yellow Alert After Heavy Rainfall
Météo France has lifted the red alert for "heavy rain and storms" in Guadeloupe, downgrading the archipelago to a yellow alert as of Thursday evening. This decision follows the passage of a tropical wave that unleashed severe weather across the region, particularly affecting southern communes like Basse-Terre, Baillif, and Trois-Rivières. Reports indicate that rainfall reached alarming rates of 50 to 80 mm within just one hour, with cumulative totals of 167 mm recorded in Vieux-Fort over six hours.
Despite the downgrade, Météo France cautions that light to moderate rains will persist throughout the day, maintaining a continuous nature. The organization emphasizes the ongoing risk of flooding in various localities, urging residents to remain vigilant due to potential river overflows and landslides. Over 3,000 lightning strikes were documented in just twelve hours, highlighting the severity of the storm's impact on the archipelago.
Martinique Also Affected by Heavy Rains
In addition to Guadeloupe, Martinique, located approximately 130 km south, was initially placed on orange alert but has since been downgraded to yellow. Heavy rainfall has been reported in the center and northern parts of the island. Although firefighters have not conducted any major interventions, a departmental road was rendered impassable due to a landslide in the northern region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the islands continue to experience the effects of this tropical wave.
