Eastern Spain Under 'Extreme Risk' as Storm Alice Hits
Spain's national weather agency, the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), has activated its highest alert level, a red warning, for parts of eastern Spain, specifically the southern coastal regions of Alicante and Murcia. The alert, which came into effect on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time and is expected to last until midnight, signifies an 'extraordinary danger' due to torrential rainfall and the high probability of flooding and flash floods.
The severe weather event is attributed to Storm Alice, also referred to as DANA 'Alice', which has already begun impacting the region.
Forecasted Rainfall and Affected Areas
AEMET forecasts exceptionally heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 180 litres per square metre within a 12-hour period. This intense precipitation is concentrated along the southern coast of Alicante and in Murcia's Campo de Cartagena and Mazarrón regions. Other areas, including coastal and inland parts of Valencia province and the Vega del Segura region in Murcia, are under orange warnings, with up to 140 mm of rainfall anticipated over 12 hours.
Prior to the red alert, Alicante had already experienced significant rainfall on Thursday, with some locations in La Safor (Valencia) and Marina Alta (Alicante) recording nearly 100 litres per square metre in 12 hours, and 40 litres in just 30 minutes in certain spots.
Widespread Disruptions and Safety Measures
The 'extreme risk' warning has prompted widespread precautionary measures and disruptions across the affected provinces. Numerous municipalities in Alicante and Murcia have announced the suspension of school classes and extracurricular activities for Friday. These include towns such as San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar, La Unión, Los Alcázares, Torre Pacheco, Fuente Álamo, Mazarrón, and Murcian districts like Lobosillo, Sucina, Gea y Truyols, Avileses, and La Tercia.
Travel has been significantly impacted, with reports of road closures and commuter train delays. At Alicante-Elche airport, at least seven flights were diverted and twelve flights were cancelled as of Friday afternoon. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued guidance advising tourists to prepare for severe weather and travel disruptions. Additionally, some businesses, including Consum supermarkets, have announced temporary closures in the affected areas.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors, and closely monitor official alerts from civil protection. Evacuations have already taken place in some flood-prone areas, with at least 35 residents moved to safety. The heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend, with meteorologists predicting the peak intensity on Friday and Saturday, before gradually easing by Monday, October 13.
5 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
Another DANA, another year of travel chaos. This is becoming ridiculous.
Stan Marsh
The swift action to close schools and roads is commendable for immediate safety. Yet, the recurring nature of these powerful storms suggests that reactive measures alone are insufficient for a sustainable future.
Eric Cartman
This isn't climate change; it's just bad planning and poor drainage infrastructure.
Muchacha
This isn't just a storm, it's a climate crisis unfolding before our eyes. Wake up, everyone!
Habibi
Improved forecasting allows for better preparedness, which is a positive step forward. But if these rainfall volumes become the new normal, our current infrastructure will simply not be able to handle it without significant upgrades.