Extreme Rainfall Triggers Red Weather Alerts
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the eastern coastal regions of Spain are currently facing severe risks of extreme rainfall and flooding. Meteorological data indicates that some affected areas could see rainfall exceeding 90 millimeters in just one hour, while cumulative rainfall over 12 hours might peak at an alarming 300 millimeters. As of the early hours of October 2, parts of Tarragona, Castellon, and Valencia have been placed under a red weather alert. Local governments are urgently advising the public to avoid all non-essential travel and to stay away from riverbeds, streams, and low-lying flood-prone areas.
Widespread School Closures in Severely Hit Valencia
The Valencia region has taken a massive hit from this extreme weather. Continuous torrential rains have caused severe waterlogging on numerous roads, flooded multiple underground parking garages, and caused widespread disruptions across the urban transit network. Statistics show that local road traffic volume plummeted by approximately 60% due to the heavy downpours, with rockfalls reported on certain mountainous routes.
To ensure the safety of students and teachers, local education authorities rapidly expanded school closures. Currently, 103 municipalities in the Valencia region have suspended in-person classes, affecting over 356,000 students. All schools within the city of Valencia have completely halted operations.
Catalonia Issues Emergency Evacuation Warnings
The intense rain clouds have also swept across the Catalonia region. Parts of Tarragona had previously issued red alerts, while areas such as Terres de l’Ebre and Baix Ebre are facing severe flood threats. On the morning of October 2, the Spanish Civil Protection (Proteccio Civil) activated the ES-Alert system, broadcasting emergency disaster warnings to mobile phones of residents in Baix Ebre and Montsia.
In the alert, officials explicitly instructed locals to stay indoors and absolutely avoid going outside. If residents encounter rapidly rising water levels nearby, they should immediately move to the upper floors of their buildings. Reports indicate that short-term cumulative rainfall in these areas has already reached tens of millimeters.
Severe Weather Expected to Last Through the Weekend
Currently, there are no signs that this wave of extreme weather will end soon. AEMET predicts that the eastern regions and the Balearic Islands will continue to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms over the coming days, with alert statuses in some affected areas lasting until this weekend.
According to recent precipitation records, cumulative rainfall in Eslida, Castellon province, has surpassed 100 millimeters, while Xodos recorded a staggering 112.8 millimeters, with approximately 80 millimeters pouring down within just one hour. Facing the constant threat of flash floods, river overflows, and urban waterlogging, authorities strongly remind the general public, including local residents and expatriate communities, never to attempt driving through flooded roads. Everyone is advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and underpasses, and to closely monitor official weather forecasts and traffic updates before traveling, keeping personal safety as the top priority.
