Latest on the storm in Spain, live | Aemet lifts the last red warnings affecting Tarragona and Castellón after exceeding 250 liters per square meter accumulated
Spain's State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has lifted the last red warnings for heavy rainfall in Tarragona and Castellón, where accumulations surpassed 250 and 170 liters per square meter, respectively. While the most severe phase of the storm has passed, significant or…
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
A major storm system that brought torrential rains and flooding to eastern Spain is beginning to subside, with the highest-level red alerts now lifted for Tarragona and Castellón. However, a broad area of the country, including Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community, remains under orange and yellow warnings for continued rain and thunderstorms, with a DANA expected to prolo…
Imagine a giant water balloon burst over parts of Spain, causing a huge downpour! The worst of the rain has now stopped in some places like Tarragona, so the grown-ups have said it's a bit safer. But other areas still have lots of rain coming, like when a big cloud just hangs around, so people still need to be careful and avoid flooded roads. It's like the weather is slowly getting better, but there are still puddles and drizzles to watch out for.
Analysis
The recent severe weather event in Spain underscores the vulnerability of Mediterranean regions to intense meteorological phenomena. While the immediate crisis appears to be easing with the lifting of red warnings, the lingering orange and yellow alerts across a significant portion of the country indicate that the threat of heavy rainfall and associated risks, such as flash floods, remains pertinent. The cumulative rainfall figures, particularly the more than 250 liters per square meter in parts of Tarragona, illustrate the sheer volume of water that has inundated these areas, posing substantial challenges for local authorities and residents.
Tarragona and Castellón
The lifting of red warnings in Tarragona and Castellón marks a critical turning point in the immediate response to the storm. These regions bore the brunt of the initial onslaught, experiencing rainfall totals that necessitated the highest level of alert. The decision by Protección Civil to lift the confinement order in areas like Baix Ebre and Montsià in southern Tarragona, while maintaining interurban mobility restrictions, reflects a cautious approach to de-escalation. This phased return to normalcy is essential to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents as floodwaters recede and infrastructure is assessed for damage.
Aemet
Aemet, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency, has played a central role in monitoring and communicating the storm's progression. Their timely issuance and subsequent adjustment of warnings, from red to orange and yellow, have been instrumental in guiding public response and emergency services. The special adverse weather warning for the eastern third of the country, extending until at least Sunday, highlights the agency's commitment to providing continuous updates. This proactive communication is vital for preparing communities for potential sudden local floods and ensuring that residents can take necessary precautions.
DANA
The forecast for a DANA (isolated upper-level depression) to isolate west of the Iberian Peninsula on Sunday is a key factor in the prolonged instability. This meteorological phenomenon is known for its capacity to generate persistent and intense precipitation, even after the initial storm front has passed. The DANA's influence is expected to maintain showers and thunderstorms across a wide area, including the central and northern mountain systems, and potentially strong precipitation in coastal Catalonia. This ongoing threat necessitates continued vigilance and adaptation of emergency protocols, as the cumulative effect of successive rainfall events can exacerbate flood risks and soil saturation.
Key points
- Aemet has lifted the last red warnings for heavy rainfall in Tarragona and Castellón.
- Tarragona recorded over 250 liters per square meter, and Castellón over 170 liters per square meter.
- Orange and yellow warnings for rain and storms remain active in ten Spanish communities, including Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Valencian Community.
- Protección Civil lifted confinement in Baix Ebre and Montsià (southern Tarragona) but maintains interurban mobility restrictions until 8 PM.
- A special adverse weather warning for 'very strong and persistent' showers and storms in the eastern third of the country is in effect until at least Sunday.
- A DANA (isolated upper-level depression) is expected to maintain instability and precipitation across much of the peninsula through the weekend and into early next week.
The lifting of red warnings in the most affected areas, Tarragona and Castellón, signals that the most dangerous phase of the storm has passed, allowing for initial recovery efforts. The de-escalation of confinement orders in places like Baix Ebre and Montsià suggests a gradual return to normalcy and reduced immediate risk for residents.
Despite the lifting of red warnings, a significant portion of Spain remains under orange and yellow alerts, indicating a continued risk of heavy rainfall and potential sudden local floods. The expected isolation of a DANA over the weekend suggests that instability and adverse weather conditions will persist, potentially causing further disruptions and challenges for emergency services.