Rare red weather alert issued in Spain as hotspot faces 'up to 120 litres of rain'
Downpours of up to 120 litres in three or four hours have been predicted, with the Spanish Civil Protection urging extreme caution.
The Spanish region of Catalonia has issued a rare red warning on Wednesday, indicating extreme risk due to heavy rains. Downpours of up to 120 litres in three or four hours have been predicted, with the Spanish Civil Protection urging extreme caution, particularly in and around Barcelona. Large hail and strong wind gusts are also expected. The significant rainfall is associated with a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), a weather phenomenon that can bring sudden and intense storms.
This comes just over a week after flash flooding left multiple Spanish towns underwater following a thunderstorm. Cars in Catalonia were left completely submerged, while others were swept away. Two people were also feared missing near the town of Cubelles, about 31 miles from Barcelona. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez called on July 12 for "great caution" and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in 10 northern and eastern regions that were on high alert on.
He wrote on X: "We are closely monitoring the situation in several communities with warnings for heavy rains and storms."
The Foreign Office has not currently issued any new travel warnings for Spain after the flooding.
However, it urged UK travellers: "Extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings."
Its flooding advice for the country reads: "Flash flooding can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure.
"Check weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities."
The previous stormy weather forced a plane that took off from Barcelona to turn back after it sustained damage to its nose.
Some of the worst hit regions also saw 60mm of rainfall, flooding garages and basements.
It is not yet clear how the fresh red weather warning will affect flights and public transport, though any flooding will likely cause travel chaos for motorists.
