Orange level meteorological warnings have been issued in a large part of southeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. They were issued after sudden floods hit Catalonia and Valencia on Wednesday, September 16.
In Olivella, a town about 40 kilometers west of Barcelona, a search and rescue operation for a woman is ongoing. It is reported that she may have been swept away by a strong flood current.
We have rarely seen such a large amount of precipitation.
The Spanish National Meteorological Service AEMET stated that such amounts of precipitation in a very short time are very rare.
“We have rarely seen such a large amount of precipitation falling in 30 minutes as we recorded today in Valencia and surrounding areas,” said the meteorological service.
For Thursday and part of Friday, AEMET issued yellow and orange level warnings for heavy rainfall and possible floods.
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A major danger warning is issued for the southern part of Alicante province, where the tourist-favorite Benidorm is located, as well as the Balearic Islands. This archipelago includes the heavily visited tourist destinations Ibiza and Mallorca, which has the resorts of Magaluf and Palma.
According to AEMET data, about 120 mm of precipitation fell in some parts of Alicante within one hour.
The meteorological service also warned that on Thursday the eastern part of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands could be hit by very heavy rains and storms.
“The intensity and duration of the rain can cause local and flash floods. High danger in Catalonia, southern Aragon, the Valencia region, and the Balearic Islands. Be extremely careful,” warned AEMET.
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