Spain on Red Alert: Valencia and Catalonia Warned of Extreme Flood Risk

Spain is bracing itself for another battering from the skies, with the national weather service Aemet raising its warning level to red – the highest possible – for parts of Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona and Lleida.

Residents were told to remain alert, to stay inside if at all possible, and to prepare themselves for a potentially hazardous start to the new week.

Red Alert Issued as Ex-hurricane Fuels Storm

The orange warning that began on Sunday morning quickly escalated in the afternoon when forecasters confirmed a new DANA (isolated depression with high levels) fueled by remnants of the ex-hurricane Gabrielle was headed straight for eastern Spain.

According to AemetThe conditions will be “potentially unsafe” between Sunday evening and Tuesday 30 September. The worst of the rain is expected overnight and on Monday morning.

It is the timing that has brought the nerves to a boil: just 11 months ago, Valencia was devastated by floods which killed 229 people and destroyed entire communities.

Stormy rains set to hit the East Coast

From 8pm Sunday, September 28, red alert measures are in force for northern Castellón, and from 4am Monday, September 29, the Valencian coastline will be under the same level of risk. Tarragona and Lleida are also predicted to be hit by heavy rains.

Meteorologists warn of up to 120 litres per square metre in just three or four hours in some areas – more than enough to cause flash floods, landslides and dangerous road conditions. Rainfall in Lleida could reach 40 litres a square metre within an hour. In Tarragona, 80 litres may fall in one hour.

Local authorities in several cities and towns have already suspended school, while emergency teams are on standby. Residents are urged to stockpile essentials, avoid unnecessary trips, and, above all, stay away from flood-prone areas.

‘Maximum caution’ urged by officials

The secretary for Emergencies, Irene Rodríguez, has called for all administrations to act early and make sure safety measures are in place. “We’re facing a major episode of rain across the region. “Everyone needs to be prepared and aware,” she said.

Catalonia regional president Salvador Illa made a direct appeal on social media, asking citizens to exercise ‘maximum caution’, avoid risky journeys, and stay away from rivers, underground car parks, tunnels, and low-lying roads. Civil Protection reiterated the warning and stressed that even short journeys could be hazardous if floodwaters are rising.

Recent events have only heightened this sense of unease. The floods of last year are still fresh and the devastation is still raw in many people’s memories.

What is next for Spain’s weather warnings?

The storm is expected to subside by midweek but the next 48 to 72 hours will likely bring major disruption to the east of Spain. The daily life of the Spanish east coast is likely to be affected, with everything from school closings to transport delays.

The advice for now is to stay inside as much as possible, listen to official updates and do not underestimate the power of sudden flooding. As Aemet put it, the coming hours will be ‘potentially dangerous’ – and with the alert now set to red, there is no higher warning.

Spain will wait with bated breath for the skies to clear.