The Madrid councillor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has urged the population to reduce to the minimum the movements planned for this afternoon, coinciding with the demonstration called by the unions in connection with the general strike. The appeal is made in response to the recommendations issued by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), which warns of worsening weather.
As a consequence of the wind episode expected, the El Retiro park and five other historic gardens in the capital have been closed since 12:00 hours due to weather-related risk. According to the latest Aemet bulletin for Madrid, wind gusts that could reach 74 km/h are expected from midday.
From the Arganzuela police station, where he has presented the figures from the anti-graffiti unit, the mayor has asked trade union organizations to heed the Aemet warnings in order to understand the municipal call to restrict movement in view of the yellow alert announced for this afternoon.
Almeida has stressed that the closure of parks is due to strong wind gusts and has emphasized that the responsibility of the City Council is to recommend reducing travel. "Anyone who wants to go to the demonstration is fully within their rights and I have nothing to say, but that is according to the Aemet this afternoon is going to be complicated, with a yellow alert, with strong winds and rain," he said.