The Spanish weather agency Aemet has issued a yellow alert for the Valencia region. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and snowfall are expected to impact coastal and inland areas. Rainfall could reach up to 20 litres per square metre in just one hour, with stormy conditions exacerbated by a dana (an isolated high-altitude depression) over the Mediterranean.
The provinces of Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante are under yellow alert for rain, wind, and snowfall in higher altitudes, with storm surges along the coast. The warning extends to parts of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, where winds could reach up to 60 km/h, generating waves as high as 3 to 4 metres.
Port of Valencia closed
The Port of Valencia announced its closure at 6.30 am on Friday due to adverse weather conditions and dangerously high waves. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as heavy seas continue to pose risks to maritime traffic.
Drivers rescued from snow in Castellón
In Castellón’s interior, snowfall is causing significant disruptions, with up to 10 centimetres of snow expected. The snowline is forecast to remain between 900 and 1,100 metres, occasionally dropping to 600–800 metres in some areas.
Overnight, emergency services rescued three drivers trapped in snow. The first incident occurred on the CV-801 road between Ibi and Alcoy. Two additional rescues took place early Friday morning on the Banyeres to Onil road. Firefighters freed the stranded drivers, who were unharmed.
Weather forecast for the weekend
The extreme weather is expected to ease slightly over the weekend. On Saturday, cloudy skies will dominate, with possible rain in northern Alicante. Minimum temperatures will drop further, while maximum temperatures are predicted to rise slightly. Light frost could persist in inland areas.
By Sunday, conditions will stabilise further, with minimal temperature changes. Frost may still occur in the interior, accompanied by light variable winds, primarily westerly inland.
Coastal and maritime risks continue
The DANA affecting the Mediterranean is expected to sustain rough sea conditions along the Valencian coast, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands. Mariners and coastal residents are advised to exercise caution as strong winds and high waves continue to present significant hazards.