Severe weather swept across northeastern Spain this weekend as torrential rain triggered flash floods in Catalonia, trapping motorists, closing transport routes, and prompting the country’s highest weather alert.
Flash Floods Hit Tarragona Province
Heavy downpours struck the province of Tarragona on Saturday, particularly in the towns of La Ràpita and Santa Bàrbara, where torrents of muddy water surged through streets, sweeping away cars and debris.
Videos circulating online showed powerful floods cutting through residential areas and inundating roads.
Spain’s national weather agency Aemet declared a red alert — the highest level of warning — across parts of Catalonia, cautioning that up to 180 millimeters of rain could fall in just 12 hours.
Local authorities urged residents in the Ebro Delta region to remain indoors as conditions deteriorated. “The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast,” said Cristina Vicente, a senior official with Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency, speaking to La Vanguardia.
Transport Disruptions Across the Mediterranean Coast
Emergency services have been working throughout the night to rescue stranded drivers from flooded roads and submerged vehicles. So far, there have been no reported fatalities or serious injuries, but the flooding has caused widespread disruption to travel and infrastructure.
Rail services along the Mediterranean Corridor between Barcelona and Valencia were suspended until further notice, while several low-lying roads were closed due to dangerous conditions.
The flooding also affected nearby coastal regions, with local authorities warning of continued instability as the storm system moves eastward.
Storm Alice Causes Chaos in the Balearic Islands
The deluge in Catalonia forms part of a wider wave of severe weather linked to Storm Alice, which has battered southeastern Spain in recent days — including the Balearic Islands.
On the island of Ibiza, the heavy rainfall led to travel chaos as the airport and several major roads were submerged. At least 24 flights were cancelled from late Saturday afternoon as the airport terminal flooded and power outages disrupted operations.
“Because of the adverse weather conditions in Ibiza, airport operations were temporarily paralysed between 6pm and 7:20pm,” officials from Spain’s airports authority AENA told local media.
“During that time, the runway and other affected areas were cleaned and secured to ensure safe operations.”
Passengers faced significant delays, and many were advised to check flight updates before heading to the airport. Local public transport also faced interruptions as buses and taxis struggled through flooded streets.
Evacuations and Warnings in Murcia and Valencia
Further south, the city of Murcia reported widespread flooding, with emergency crews evacuating residents from low-lying neighborhoods. Images shared on social media showed cars almost fully submerged and streets transformed into rivers.
Authorities maintained yellow warnings across the Mediterranean coast on Sunday, from Valencia to southern Tarragona, where total rainfall from the storm could reach 250–300 millimeters (10–12 inches) in some areas.
A Pattern of Intensifying Storms
Spain has experienced an increasing number of intense rainstorms and flash floods in recent years, a trend many scientists attribute to the effects of climate change. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier precipitation events and a higher risk of flooding in coastal and mountainous areas.
Meteorologists warned that while Storm Alice is expected to weaken over the next 48 hours, more unstable weather systems could follow later in the week. Civil protection agencies continue to advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed through official updates, and exercise caution near rivers and flood-prone areas.
As Spain continues to face the impacts of Storm Alice, the combination of flash floods, power outages, and transportation shutdowns highlights the growing vulnerability of southern Europe to extreme weather events.
For now, emergency teams remain on high alert, working to restore normality and prevent further damage as the storm moves east across the Mediterranean.
