Streets in Alicante flooded as red alert rain hits the region.
Credit : Comunitat Valenciana
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red weather warning for this Friday, October 10, as parts of Alicante and Murcia prepare for torrential rainfall and severe storms.
According to AEMET, the heaviest rain is expected between 10 a.m. and midnight, with up to 180 litres per square metre forecast in just 12 hours – enough to cause flooding, power cuts and transport disruption, especially along the southern coast of Alicante.
The worst-hit areas are expected to be Torrevieja, Orihuela, Elche, Santa Pola, and Cartagena, where continuous heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds could make driving conditions dangerous.
The agency has also issued orange and yellow alerts for other areas of Valencia, Murcia, and Almería, warning of hail, thunderstorms, and wind gusts up to 55 km/h.
Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors when possible, and keep up to date with official alerts.
When and where will the rain hit hardest?
Alicante province is bracing for a full day of rain. Here’s a closer look at the forecast by municipality:
Alicante city – Expect non-stop rain throughout the day with a 100 per cent chance of precipitation. Strong northeast winds up to 50 km/h will blow across the coast, while temperatures stay mild around 23°C. Rain will persist into Saturday before gradually easing on Sunday.
Elche – Continuous rain and cloudy skies are expected from morning to night, with humidity close to 90 per cent. The wet weather will continue through Saturday and ease slightly on Sunday, though showers could linger early next week.
Benidorm – Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms are expected, with strong gusts of wind reaching 45 km/h. Saturday remains unsettled, with some relief possible on Sunday before the showers return.
Torrevieja – The city is under the highest alert, facing widespread and intense rainfall all day. Thunderstorms are highly likely, and winds could reach up to 55 km/h. Humidity will remain high, creating a heavy, stormy atmosphere. Saturday will stay wet, but some improvement is expected by Sunday afternoon.
Orihuela – Constant rain from morning to night, with cooler conditions around 20°C. Saturday will bring more of the same before a slight break in the weather on Sunday, though skies will remain cloudy.
Dénia, Xàbia and Calp – The northern coast will also see strong rainfall, though less extreme than the south. Up to 60–140 mm is possible over 12 hours, with gusts near 50 km/h and temperatures around 24°C.
Elda, Villena and Alcoy – Inland areas won’t escape the storm either. Persistent rainfall and cooler temperatures (16–18°C) are expected through the weekend, with little sign of improvement until midweek.
How long will the storm last?
This episode of extreme weather comes from a DANA, also known as a ‘cold drop’ – a high-altitude cold air pocket that triggers violent rain and storms when it meets warmer Mediterranean air.
Dubbed ‘DANA Alice‘, the system has already caused instability across much of Spain this week. Meteorologists expect the worst of the rain to hit on Friday, continuing into Saturday, before gradually improving on Sunday. However, scattered showers and cloudy skies could persist into next week.
Authorities have warned that low-lying areas and ravines pose the highest flood risk and are urging residents to remain cautious. People are also advised to prepare for possible power outages and transport delays as the storm peaks.
AEMET summed it up clearly: the south of Alicante and Murcia are facing a high-impact weather event – and it’s best to stay home and stay safe until the skies finally clear.
Shops close and schools suspend activities as storm hits
The severity of the alert has prompted widespread closures across the region.
Spanish supermarket chain Consum announced on Thursday that it will close all affected stores in response to the red alert.
“Important notice: due to the red weather warning for heavy rain in some parts of Murcia and Alicante, our Consum supermarkets will remain closed on Friday, October 10,” the company said in a statement.
A total of 59 stores will close for the day, and online orders have been suspended in all affected areas. In total, 1,760 employees will remain at home during the storm.
The supermarket chain CARREFOUR informs us that due to the alert forecast for tomorrow, the stores located in the southern areas of ALICANTE and CARTAGENA will be closed.
In addition, several municipalities in Alicante and Murcia have suspended school classes and cancelled extracurricular activities, urging parents to keep children at home until weather conditions improve. Local councils have also postponed cultural events and sports activities, warning that public transport and roads may be affected by flooding.