Flooding in Altura, Castellón. Credit: Instagram @aemet_esp
Spain is currently battling heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds impacting Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Catalonia, and the Canary Islands.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an adverse weather warning predicting strong to very strong and persistent showers in Spain to continue until at least Thursday, March 6, perhaps longer.
“Over the past few days, there has been a progressive increase in instability, with moderate easterly and north-easterly winds bringing significant moisture to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. This has resulted in widespread rainfall, locally heavy and persistent, which will continue until at least Thursday and could extend into the weekend.”
Flooding in Andalusia: 40 people rescued in Jerez de la Frontera
In Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia), emergency responders rescued 40 people from 20 vehicles trapped on the AP-4 motorway due to flash flooding, according to a report by El Mundo. The flooding was caused by runoff from the Salado stream, which rapidly overwhelmed local roads. Firefighters worked for over two hours to rescue stranded people.
The Jerez Motorcycle Circuit was also submerged.
Valencian Community: Orange alerts and school closures
AEMET has issued an orange alert across the Valencian Community, warning of “very strong and persistent showers” affecting Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante. El Mundo reports that Valencian President Carlos Mazón has cancelled his official schedule to closely monitor the situation.
According to AEMET, the heaviest rainfall will impact Valencia, Castellón, and southern Tarragona, where over 100mm of rain could fall in just 12 hours. By Wednesday and Thursday, the storm will intensify, with Valencia and Castellón seeing more than 150mm of rainfall in 24 hours.
Due to worsening conditions, authorities have recommended school closures in high-risk flood areas and the suspension of outdoor activities.
Currently, 16 roads are closed, according to Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), including one from the main national network, while rail and air travel remain operational despite minor disruptions.
Canary Islands: Tourists advised to stay inside
The Canary Islands are experiencing some of the worst flooding with Gran Canaria and Tenerife the most severely affected. The General Directorate of Emergencies has extended a pre-alert across all eight islands, warning of “locally heavy rainfall, snowfall at high altitudes, and possible thunderstorms”, as reported by Canarian Weekly.
In a report by GB News, 80 people were said to be trapped inside a Tenerife supermarket due to rising floodwaters. Emergency crews pumped water from the flooded car park to allow customers to exit safely.
Dramatic footage from Radio Canaria shows cars being swept into the sea, while residents struggled to rescue stranded drivers.
Canarian Weekly reports that ‘the heaviest rainfall is expected in the north and east of La Palma, the southeast of Tenerife, and the northeast of Gran Canaria.’
Almería: Emergency rescue of elderly couple from a flooded caravan
In Cuevas del Almanzora (Almería, Andalusia) on Saturday, March 1, emergency responders rescued a foreign couple aged 78 and 79 who were trapped in their caravan with two dogs, according to a report by Almería Hoy.
The Civil Guard coordinated with firefighters and Civil Protection teams to locate the caravan, which was hidden in a flooded area. One officer, fluent in English, managed to communicate with the victims.
The couple were treated for hypothermia and disorientation but are now reportedly in stable conditions.
Reservoir discharges in Castellón to prevent flooding
According to El Mundo, authorities in Castellón have begun controlled discharges from four reservoirs: Ulldecona, Regajo, Algar, and Alcora. The Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ) reports that the Rambla de la Viuda river peaked at 220 cubic metres per second but is now slowly receding.
Official weather warnings from AEMET
- Valencian Community: Orange alert remains for Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante until at least Thursday.
- Canary Islands: High alert for torrential rain and flash flooding, especially in Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
- Andalusia: Heavy rainfall warnings for Málaga and Almería, with the worst conditions expected mid-week.
AEMET urges residents and tourists to follow safety guidelines: Avoid unnecessary travel, check official warnings, and prepare emergency supplies in case of power cuts.
Further updates will be provided as conditions develop. Stay safe.
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