Spain’s weather service has issued a red alert for heavy rain and flooding along the country’s Costa Blanca.
Storm Alice is set to bring very heavy rain to the popular tourist areas of Alicante and Murcia on Friday, with warnings of extreme danger and the probability of flooding and sudden surges.
The weather alert is set to be in place from 10am to 11:59pm local time on Friday.
Heavy thunderstorms are expected in the north of Alicante, Valencia, Castellón, Tarragona, and the Balearic Islands, which could accumulate significant amounts of precipitation in short periods.
Aemet, Spain’s meteorological agency, said thundery showers are likely to continue over the weekend and into Monday and Tuesday next week, although these are expected to be more scattered and less intense than in previous days.
Local broadcaster RTVE said up to 18 centimetres of rain could fall in 12 hours in the south of the Valencian community and the east of the region of Murcia, which has led authorities to evacuate at least 35 residents living in flood-prone areas.
Footage from Thursday shows water cascading down streets and hills in the tourist hotspot of Alicante.
Red alerts were also in place on Thursday for the southern coast of Alicante and in the southeast of Murcia, with orange and yellow alerts in many other places.
The UK Foreign Office website issued update travel advice, warning: “Severe weather warnings are in place today in Murcia and Valencia, including the province of Alicante. Disruptions to travel are likely.
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“If you are in the affected areas, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.
“If you are planning to travel, check for messaging from your travel provider or airline.”
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