Spain on Alert: Stay Safe When torrential Rain Hits

When torrential downpours hit, roads will flood, rivers will swell, and life as we know it will come to a standstill.

Across Spain, episodes of extreme downpours have become more frequent in recent years, prompting Protección Civil to issue fresh warnings – not to alarm, but to prepare. The message is clear: Being prepared can make a huge difference when storms hit.

Why preparation is essential during heavy rain

Flash floods can occur at any time, but in Spain we have seen how quickly the streets can become rivers. Protección Civil stresses that knowing what to do before the rain arrives is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe. It’s important to plan ahead and think about what you will do, where you are going, how you will communicate, and what you need if your family is unable leave their home.

Authorities have made it clear that you should avoid unnecessary travel when there are storm alerts. It can be fatal to drive on flooded roads, or cross waterlogged areas. You can be at risk by stepping out to check on your vehicle or to remove something from the road. The safest thing to do is to remain indoors.

Protecting Your Home and Family

There are some things you can do at home to reduce the risk. Before a storm, clearing drains and removing gutters is an easy but effective way to prepare. If you are in a flood-prone region, be sure to move any valuable items higher and find a spot where your family could gather if there is an emergency.

Avoid using underground garages when it is raining heavily. When water seeps into basements, cars parked there are usually the first ones to get lost. Rushing down to save these vehicles can be dangerous.

A small emergency kit is also a good idea. You don’t need to have a complicated kit: bottled drinking water, non-perishable foods, medication, a flashlight with spare batteries and important documents. You can cope with a power outage or being stuck indoors for hours if you have these essentials.

Keep informed about storms

Misinformation is one of the greatest risks during a weather emergency. Social media can spread rumours faster than the rain falls, which is why Protección Civil urges everyone to stick to official channels only. The most up-to-date information is available on local government websites, official apps, and radio stations.

It is important to have your emergency numbers and phone fully charged. You or a neighbor could save their lives by calling 112.

Last safety tips for heavy rains in Spain

Experts believe that Spain will continue to experience more sudden downpours. The message from Protección Civil is not about fear, but about readiness. By taking simple precautions – knowing escape routes, preparing your home, and keeping a basic emergency kit – you’re giving yourself and your family the best chance to ride out whatever the skies bring.

Officials are always reminding us that prevention and preparation is the best tool we can use. You don’t need to be caught off guard by the worst storm if you have the right mindset.

Please be reminded that the Spanish national weather agency AEMET raised its warning level on Sunday, September 28, to red – the highest possible – for parts of Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona and Lleida.

The National Weather Service warned that there is a high probability of “potentially unsafe” conditions between Sunday night, September 28, to Tuesday, September 30. The worst rains are expected over the weekend and into the early hours of Monday morning.

Residents were advised to stay indoors as much possible, to avoid unnecessary travelling and to have emergency kits on hand. The start of this week could bring with it flooding, power outages and other severe disruptions.