Catalonia began this Monday under severe weather alert, activated by Civil Protection. Heavy rain and thunderstorms brought on by the DANA storm system continue to impact the region. Torrential rains are hitting Barcelona and surrounding areas causing floods, incidents and transport chaos.
The Catalonian coastline and inland areas are set to experience rainfall levels of up to 100mm over 12 hours, creating hazardous conditions that are expected to persist until midday. Officials registered severe flooding in Sitges. Further warnings are given as the storm shifts towards the Baix Llobregat and Baix Penedès regions. Streets, such as those in Sitges’ Terramar district, are flooded, and local ravines are rapidly filling after sustained rainfall across southern Catalonia.
Flooding streets and rescues in Tarragona
On Monday morning, heavy rainfall also struck the province of Tarragona, flooding streets and homes and prompting emergency rescues. The Bombers de la Generalitat received 164 calls related to the downpour between 8.00 pm Sunday and 7.00 am Monday. Most incidents reported in the city of Tarragona. One of the most urgent calls involved the rescue of four individuals trapped by floodwaters in the El Catllar area. Firefighters successfully extracted them from the danger and relocated them to the homes of family members for safety. In La Móra, the local canal overflowed, inundating streets and several residences. Meanwhile, in Picamoixons, the rain caused a partial wall collapse and landslides along the C-14 road, further disrupting mobility and infrastructure in the area.
Transport suspensions and road closures
The Generalitat has restricted travel in nine regions and warned residents in Baix Llobregat of potential flooding, advising against unnecessary journeys. Rail operator Renfe has suspended several Rodalies train lines, including the R2 Nord, R2 Sud, R3, R13, and R14, with no confirmed resumption time for some services. Roads across Catalonia are heavily impacted, with closures on the A-27 in Valls, the C-31B in Salou, and multiple routes in Vallirana and Castelldefels due to flooding and landslides.
Flights diverted
These disruptions are mirrored at Barcelona’s El Prat Airport, where twelve flights have been diverted since early morning, affecting flights from Alicante, Palma, and Valencia, among others. Authorities are advising travellers to check with airlines before travelling.
Extended alerts in Tarragona and Valencia
The DANA’s reach has extended beyond Catalonia, with a severe red alert in Tarragona, where rain is forecast to reach 150mm in some areas. Authorities have issued orange alerts in parts of the Ebro, Camp de Tarragona, and Penedès regions, imposing additional travel restrictions until 2.00 pm. Visibility on several highways is low, with heavy rain in areas like Bruc and Castellbisbal, further compounding travel difficulties.
Emergency response and public safety measures
With heavy rainfall forecasted throughout the day in both Catalonia and neighbouring Valencia and Murcia, Civil Protection continues to monitor the situation closely. Local authorities are coordinating with transport operators and emergency services to manage the impact, urging residents to heed safety advisories and stay updated on further developments.