Storm Emilia has been playing havoc in the east of Spain with flooding, high winds and intense rain. The intense low-pressure system, which battered eastern and southern Spain over the weekend, is showing signs of weakening. The red alerts (extreme risk) that were in place for parts of Valencia and Almeria through the early hours of Monday were downgraded, marking the end of the most severe phase in those regions. However, authorities continue to urge vigilance as lingering rains and potential localised flooding persist.
The storm delivered a major amount of rainfall to the Valencian Community, with peak accumulations reaching 149.1 litres per square metre in La Font d’en Carros (Valencia) and over 100 litres in coastal areas of Borriana and Nules in Castellon. While the heaviest downpours stayed offshore, many areas in Castellon, La Safor, and La Marina Alta saw between 40 and 110 litres per square metre.
Almanzora River breaks its banks
In Almeria, hydrological conditions remain challenging in the north and Levante regions. The Almanzora River reached red alert levels in Cuevas del Almanzora, and ramblas such as Nogalte, Los Charcones, and Las Palmeras in Pulpi overflowed, disrupting traffic. Emergency services reported around 30 incidents across Andalucia, including the rescue of three unharmed individuals trapped in a vehicle in Huercal-Overa due to rising waters.
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has lifted the red alert for Valencia’s coastline, changing to orange (significant risk) in southern Castellon’s interior and coast, where up to 100 litres per square metre could still accumulate in 12 hours until evening. The rest of the Valencian Community is under yellow alert, with a possible 20 litres per hour or 60 litres in 12 hours, along with risks of thunderstorms and waterspouts in Alicante and Valencia until midday, extending to Castellon later.
Schools close in Costa Blanca areas
Valencian regional president Juanfran Pérez Llorca called for maximum prudence yesterday, while emergency officials stress ongoing precautions: avoid flooded areas, stay away from riverbeds and ravines, monitor official channels, and call 112 in emergencies. Schools in affected Valencian municipalities suspended classes on Monday, and similar disruptions occurred over the weekend.
Minor rains have also reached Barcelona, with increasing intensity expected midday but no major risks forecast. Overall, while the storm’s intensity has diminished, the situation demands continued awareness to prevent incidents as Emilia gradually moves away.