Lorraine Williamson
After torrential rain hit Valencia overnight and Murcia on Thursday morning, emergency authorities in the Balearic Islands are now warning residents and visitors in Ibiza and Formentera to take particular care. The islands remain under an orange weather alert as another band of intense rain and thunderstorms moves across the western Mediterranean.
AEMET warns that Ibiza and Formentera could receive around 50 litres per square metre in one hour, with accumulations potentially reaching 80 litres over two or three hours. The orange alert is currently expected to remain in force until 6.00 pm, before dropping to yellow until midnight.
Ibiza and Formentera move to centre of storm
The Balearic Government’s emergency services say the most intense weather is expected across the Pitiusas during Thursday afternoon.
The regional emergency committee has kept IG-1 of the Meteobal plan active for Ibiza and Formentera. Mallorca has been downgraded to yellow, while the weather alert in Menorca has been deactivated.
Emergency officials have warned people to avoid unnecessary journeys and outdoor activities, stay away from torrents and flood-prone areas, and avoid basements, underground car parks and other low-lying places if heavy rain develops.
Families who are able to do so have also been asked to collect children from schools in Ibiza and Formentera, with afternoon classes suspended as a precaution.
Murcia hit by torrential rain
The latest warnings follow a difficult morning in the Region of Murcia, where AEMET temporarily raised Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón to red alert, its highest warning level.
More than 60 litres per square metre fell within an hour in affected areas, prompting the activation of the INUNMUR flood emergency plan. Emergency services dealt with flooding and people trapped in vehicles, while authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary journeys.
The red warning was subsequently lifted as conditions eased, although AEMET continued to warn of strong or very strong showers and thunderstorms across parts of south-eastern Spain.
Valencia begins recovery after overnight flooding
Valencia, meanwhile, is recovering after Wednesday night’s intense rainfall caused flooding and major transport problems.
Metrovalencia services were suspended across the network overnight before restarting on Thursday, while Cercanías rail services also suffered disruption. Valencia Airport was temporarily closed because of the weather before reopening, with flights diverted during the disruption.
More than 94,000 pupils in 13 municipalities in Valencia and Alicante were affected by school closures on Thursday. Emergency services also dealt with hundreds of weather-related incidents following the torrential rain.
Storm risk continues across eastern Spain
Although conditions have improved in some of the areas hit earlier, the episode is not over.
AEMET continues to warn of heavy showers and thunderstorms across parts of eastern and south-eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Storms may be accompanied locally by strong wind gusts and hail, while the precise location of the most intense rainfall can change rapidly.
That means conditions can differ dramatically even between neighbouring towns. Residents and visitors should check AEMET’s live warnings for their particular location rather than relying on a regional forecast alone.
What to do during torrential rain
Spain’s emergency authorities repeatedly warn motorists never to attempt to cross a flooded road, rambla or watercourse. Water that appears relatively shallow can be strong enough to move a vehicle, while conditions in normally dry channels can change within minutes.
People in areas affected by orange warnings should also avoid unnecessary journeys during the most intense storms, keep away from torrents and low-lying areas and follow instructions from 112 and local authorities.
After moving through Catalonia and Valencia and bringing torrential rain to Murcia, the main concern on Thursday afternoon is now focused on Ibiza and Formentera.
The situation remains changeable, and official warnings should be checked before travelling.