10 Jun 2016
10 Jun 2016
The new Euskalmet coastal–maritime warning system
Santiago Gaztelumendi1,2, Joseba Egaña1,2, Pedro Liria3, Manuel Gonzalez3, José Antonio Aranda2,4, and Pedro Anitua4
Santiago Gaztelumendi et al.
Santiago Gaztelumendi1,2, Joseba Egaña1,2, Pedro Liria3, Manuel Gonzalez3, José Antonio Aranda2,4, and Pedro Anitua4
- 1Tecnalia, Energy and Environment Division, Meteorology Area, Miñano, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
- 2Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet), Miñano, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
- 3AZTI-Tecnalia, Marine Division, Lasarte, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain
- 4Basque Government, Security Department, Directorate of Emergencies and Meteorology, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
- 1Tecnalia, Energy and Environment Division, Meteorology Area, Miñano, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
- 2Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet), Miñano, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
- 3AZTI-Tecnalia, Marine Division, Lasarte, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain
- 4Basque Government, Security Department, Directorate of Emergencies and Meteorology, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Basque Country, Spain
Correspondence: Santiago Gaztelumendi (santiago.gaztelumendi@tecnalia.com)
Hide author details
Received: 14 Jan 2016 – Revised: 02 May 2016 – Accepted: 03 May 2016 – Published: 10 Jun 2016
This work presents the main characteristics of the Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet) maritime–coastal risk warning system, with special emphasis on the latest updates, including a clear differentiation on specific warning messages addressing sea conditions for navigation purposes in the first 2 nautical miles, and expected coastal impacts. Some details of the warning bulletin for maritime and coastal risk situations are also presented, together with other communication products and strategies used in coastal and maritime severe episodes at the Basque coast.
Today, three different aspects are included in the coastal–maritime risk warning system in Basque Country, related to the main potential severe events that affecting coastal activities.
– "Galerna" risk relates to a sudden wind reversal that can severely affect coastal navigation and recreational activities.
– "Navigation" risk relates to severe sea state conditions for 0–2 miles, affecting different navigation activities.
– "Coastal impact" risk relates to adverse wave characteristics and tidal surges that induce flooding events and different impacts in littoral areas.