19 Oct 2018 | 10:45 PM UTC
Spain: Severe flooding in eastern Spain, Balearic Islands Oct. 18-19 /update 1
Heavy rains cause widespread flooding and road closures in eastern Spain and Balearic Islands on October 18-19; lingering transportation disruptions expected over the near-term
Event
Sustained heavy rains caused widespread flooding, road closures, and traffic disruptions in eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands on Thursday, October 18, and Friday, October 19. The Spanish weather service AEMET reported the severe weather system caused by a sudden temperature drop brought as much as 24 cm (9.4 in) of rain in Torreblanca, 23 cm (9 in) in Murcia, 20 cm (8in) in Alfondeguila, and more than 13.5 cm (5.3 in) in Valencia over a period of 24 hours. Majorca, where flash floods killed 13 people on October 9, recorded rainfall totals of 8.6 cm (3.3 in). Police responded to over a 100 rescue calls in Valencia, while more than two dozen people had to be rescued from flooded roads in northern Castellón province.
Officials have reported no fatalities associated with the most recent flooding as of October 19, and authorities have warned many rural roads remain impassable due to debris left by flooding. The severe weather system is expected to dissipate by Saturday, October 20, although flooding along area rivers will continue to threaten lives and roads in the coming days. Red weather alerts issued by AEMET earlier this week have been lifted.
Context
Heavy rains brought on by a sudden temperature drop is common in Spain during the months of September to November, although rain levels of this magnitude have not been observed since October 2008.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
