- Heavy rainstorm in southern alicante dropped over 30 liters/m² in minutes, causing floods and fallen trees.
- Roads have been closed and classes suspended in more than 20 municipalities, including Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, and Benidorm.
- A short, intense “thermal burst” led to structural damage, such as a collapsed wall and lighting tower in Callosa de Segura.
- Weather alerts remain active, with predictions of up to 40 liters/m² in some areas like Denia, sparking orange alerts throughout the afternoon.
- The balearic Islands, especially Palma de Mallorca, also suffered heavy rainfall and flooding overnight, with orange alerts in effect until late evening.
Intense Rainstorm Strikes Southern Alicante, Triggering Floods and Disruptions
A powerful and sudden rainstorm caused havoc across the southern Alicante region overnight, dumping more than 30 liters of rain per square meter in just a few minutes. The extreme weather, described as a “thermal burst,” led to significant flooding, fallen trees, and road closures that have severely impacted local communities.
Class Suspensions and Road Closures in Over 20 Municipalities
Due to the severity of the storm, authorities have suspended classes this Tuesday in about twenty municipalities of Alicante province. Notable affected areas include key cities such as Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, and Benidorm. Many roads have been shut down to ensure public safety as emergency crews work to clear debris and manage flooding.
damage in Callosa de segura
Callosa de Segura was among the hardest hit towns during the tempest. In just five minutes of intense rain, a structural wall at the municipal football field collapsed, bringing down one of the lighting towers. Fortunately,only one worker was present at the site during the incident,and no injuries were reported.
Weather Predictions and Ongoing Alerts
While rainfall decreased by Tuesday morning, forecasters warn that certain areas, such as Denia, could still experience heavy rainfall – potentially up to 40 liters per square meter within an hour. This risks causing further flooding and disruptions. Due to these conditions, a weather orange alert remains in place throughout the afternoon across parts of Alicante.
Balearic Islands Also Impacted by Heavy Rainfall
The atmospheric instability is not confined to mainland Spain. The Balearic Islands have also been impacted, with Palma de Mallorca recording 31 liters per square meter in just two hours overnight.This has caused flooding in both homes and commercial premises.
In response, the entire island of Mallorca remains under an orange weather alert until 10 p.m. Tuesday,as officials brace for additional rainstorms that may exacerbate flooding problems.
Key Areas Under Orange Alert
| Region | Rainfall Estimate (liters/m²) | Alert Status | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| denia (Alicante) | Up to 40 | Orange | Afternoon |
| Callosa de Segura (Alicante) | 30+ | Orange | Ongoing |
| palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands) | 31 | Orange | Until 10 PM |
What Residents Should Know
- Stay updated: Keep an eye on local weather and emergency announcements.
- Travel caution: Avoid flooded or blocked roads; use alternate routes when possible.
- Class adjustments: Follow instructions regarding school suspensions in affected municipalities.
- Prepare for disruptions: Expect possible power outages or transportation delays due to downed trees and floodwaters.
Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely and encourage residents to exercise caution as the unstable weather continues to impact southeastern Spain.
Reported by La Sexta News.
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