Spain's Valencia on red alert as region battered by heavy rain

"Spain's Aemet weather agency warned of "extraordinary danger" in Tarragona (Catalonia), Castellon, and Valencia for Sunday afternoon and evening, and Monday, a warning echoed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. As forecast, it rained heavily throughout Sunday night in the eastern region, with more than 80 litres per square metre accumulated in several parts of Valencia. In the town of Aldaia, where the ravine has burst its banks, 57 litres per square metre fell in 35 minutes."

"Firefighters have already had to rescue several people trapped in their vehicles due to the massive downpour. There are reports of delays on the region's rail network and numerous motorways being cut off by the water. The northeastern city of Zaragoza was also hit by heavy rainfall throughout the night, which has flooded streets. In the Tarragona town of Amposta in Catalonia, 200 litres of rain/sqm have fallen since Sunday."

"City residents received a red alert on their phones Sunday afternoon warning of the severe weather. Aemet has warned that Monday and Tuesday will be the "most adverse" days for the passage of Storm Gabrielle, the tail end of a hurricane that's died down after reaching the Iberian Peninsula. Valencia is still reeling from the devastating flooding that killed 235 people last year and caused billions of euros in damage."

Spain's national weather agency has issued a red alert for heavy rains across eastern Valencia, Castellon and Tarragona, warning of extraordinary danger as Storm Gabrielle approaches. Heavy overnight downpours produced over 80 litres per square metre in parts of Valencia and 57 litres in 35 minutes in Aldaia after a ravine burst its banks. Firefighters rescued people trapped in vehicles and authorities reported rail delays and motorways cut by floodwater. Zaragoza and Amposta also experienced severe flooding, with Amposta recording 200 litres per square metre. Local authorities closed schools and public spaces and urged residents to follow emergency instructions as the most adverse days approach.

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