Summary
- Severe thunderstorm hit southern Alicante overnight, with intense lightning and heavy rain.
- Up to 90.9 liters/m² of rainfall recorded in Pilar de la Horadada’s Sierra Escalona.
- Torrevieja’s rocío del Mar station measured 43.8 liters/m²; San Miguel de Salinas recorded 54 liters/m².
- Flooding affected streets and vehicles, causing distress among locals and tourists alike.
- Reports of damaged vehicles and frightened children amid the storm’s intensity.
- Weather alerts remain active as more storms are expected this weekend.
Powerful Thunderstorm Strikes Southern Alicante: A Night of Intense Rain and Lightning
In the early hours of the morning, southern Alicante experienced a stunning and powerful thunderstorm that drenched the area with extraordinary rainfall and illuminated the sky with hundreds of lightning strikes. This extreme weather event caused momentary panic among residents and visitors, notably in Torrevieja and the Vega Baja region.
Record Rainfall in Several Municipalities
The storm brought unprecedented rainfall over a very short period. Key meteorological stations reported the following measurements:
| Location | Rainfall (liters/m²) |
|---|---|
| Sierra Escalona (Pilar de la Horadada) | 90.9 |
| San Miguel de Salinas | 54.0 |
| Rocío del mar, Torrevieja | 43.8 |
These torrential rains led to flooding in some low-lying areas, notably near the beach of La Mata in Torrevieja where water rose up to the seawall. The storm’s ferocity was also marked by frequent and powerful lightning, some bolts striking the ground directly.
Impact on Locals and Tourists
one family, recently arrived from Ireland on vacation, shared their experience: “We traveled from Ireland to Bilbao, then reached Torrevieja, only to find streets flooded.Our car broke down but thankfully started again. I’ve never seen anything like this, with children screaming in fear, it was frightening.“
Several vehicles were caught in floodwaters, and even though no serious injuries or incidents were reported, the storm caused widespread anxiety and disruption. The intense winds had already caused some damage on Thursday afternoon, setting the stage for the night’s extreme conditions.
Ongoing Weather Alerts and Preparedness
meteorological authorities remain on high alert due to ongoing unstable conditions. New episodes of storms, heavy rain, and strong winds are forecasted throughout the weekend, prompting residents and tourists to remain vigilant.
what You Need to Know to Stay Safe in Severe Storms
- Monitor reliable weather forecasts regularly.
- Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Stay indoors during lightning storms.
- Keep emergency kits ready in case of power outages or vehicle troubles.
- Drive cautiously and avoid flooded streets.
Local emergency services are advising the public to take these precautions seriously as southern Alicante faces a potentially challenging weekend in terms of weather.