Spain's state weather agency, Aemet, has issued a rare red "danger to life" warning for the holiday hotspots of Barcelona and Girona, as a "mini hurricane" brings torrential downpours and strong winds. The highest-level alert, in force until midday on Sunday, urges residents to follow strict restrictions.
Extreme rainfall and wind forecasts
Meteorologists are forecasting exceptionally intense downpours, with as much as 90mm of rain expected to fall within a single hour. In the worst-affected areas, rainfall totals could surpass 200mm over a six-hour period, raising the risk of severe flooding and significant disruption.
Forecasters have also warned that the overnight storm system could bring dangerous conditions, including frequent lightning, possible tornadoes and waterspouts, as well as damaging winds exceeding 120km/h. The most severe conditions are expected to occur around midnight.
Emergency alerts and movement restrictions
Local authorities are preparing to send an emergency alert message directly to mobile phones. Catalonia's president warned that "this is not a joke" as he called the situation "very complex."
From shortly after midnight, the red weather alert will be expanded across much of northern Catalonia, taking in areas such as Girona, Mataró, Figueres and the Costa Brava up to the French border. Authorities have also announced movement restrictions across 20 districts spanning both coastal and inland parts of Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona provinces, with the measures set to remain in place for the duration of the highest-level warning.
Recent flooding and impact
The latest warning comes days after torrential rainfall and flash flooding caused major disruption across Barcelona, leading to widespread travel problems, flight delays and stranded tourists. The worst of the recent storms struck parts of northeastern and northwestern Spain, bringing intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
In the town of Madrigueras, unexpected flash floods overnight claimed the life of an elderly woman and prompted emergency services to rescue around 90 residents, many of whom became trapped inside their homes by rising water.
