The powerful DANA storm system has struck Spain, triggering severe weather warnings and significant disruptions in the southern province of Málaga and eastern Tarragona. The affected zones in the province of Valencia expect rain too, but not as heavy as in other parts of the country.
With heavy rains forecasted, the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has issued a red alert, warning of rainfall that could exceed 120 litres per square metre in the coastal regions of Málaga’s Axarquía, Costa del Sol, and Guadalhorce. In a precautionary measure, approximately 3,000 people have been evacuated from the banks of the Guadalhorce River, an area that faced severe flooding in the recent DANA.
The regional government of Andalucía has also suspended classes across Málaga and in parts of Granada, including Albuñol, Almuñécar, Motril, and Salobreña, where flood risks remain high. The severe weather has disrupted transport, with the rail service between Málaga and Seville suspended, though Málaga Airport remains operational.
Restrictions in Tarragona for torrential rains and high winds
In Tarragona, where rainfall could reach 180 litres per square metre in 12 hours, local authorities have declared a state of red alert. The Catalan Government has implemented mobility restrictions, closed schools, and advised remote working in five districts, urging residents to stay indoors as winds of 55-65 km/h sweep through the region, accompanied by waves of up to five metres. Valencia, meanwhile, has also cancelled classes and sports activities in around 50 municipalities due to the storm.
Further impacts across Spain
The storm’s reach extends to the Balearic Islands, where Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca are under orange alert for rainfall that could exceed 100 litres in 12 hours, while Menorca remains on yellow alert. Coastal regions in Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, and Murcia are also facing yellow alerts for high winds and adverse sea conditions. In Aragón, authorities have issued alerts for flooding in Bajo Aragón, Matarraña, and other areas, anticipating surging river levels due to intense rain.
This week’s severe weather comes on the heels of significant damage from recent storms, adding pressure on Spanish authorities to enhance disaster preparedness. Political leaders, including Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, have urged workers in red-alert zones to avoid commuting, and emergency services across affected regions remain on standby
Also read: ES-Alert system for storm information