Red Alert Declared in Valencia as Storm Alice Triggers Torrential Rains and Widespread Flooding Across Eastern Spain

Valencia Under Extreme Risk as Storm Alice Batters Eastern Spain

The region of Valencia, Spain, has been placed under a red weather warning, the highest level of alert, as Storm Alice continues to bring torrential rains and severe flooding to parts of eastern Spain. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued the red alert, indicating 'extreme risk' due to meteorological phenomena, with forecasts predicting rainfall intensities of up to 100mm in a single hour in some areas.

This severe weather event, classified as a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) or isolated depression at high levels, has been affecting the Mediterranean coast since early October 2025, causing significant disruption across multiple provinces.

Widespread Rainfall and Intensified Warnings

The impact of Storm Alice has been felt across a broad swathe of eastern Spain. Beyond Valencia, red alerts were also activated for regions such as Alicante, Murcia, and Catalonia, with some areas experiencing accumulations exceeding 180 mm in 12 hours and localized intensities surpassing 100 mm in a single hour.

AEMET bulletins described the rainfall as 'muy fuertes y persistentes'—very strong and long-lasting—particularly over the provinces of Alicante and Murcia. Forecast models indicated potential totals exceeding 250–300 mm over several days in the most exposed areas.

Major Disruptions and Emergency Response

The torrential downpours have led to extensive flooding and significant disruptions to daily life and infrastructure. Key impacts include:

• Transport Chaos: Numerous regional roads, including sections of the AP-7 motorway and the N-340, have been temporarily closed due to floodwaters and landslides. Train services along the Mediterranean Corridor between Barcelona and Valencia were suspended, affecting thousands of passengers, as rail lines were submerged. Flights at airports in affected regions, including Valencia and Ibiza, have experienced delays and cancellations.
• School Closures: Authorities in several municipalities, including Gandia in Valencia, announced the suspension of classes in schools and universities to ensure public safety.
• Emergency Operations: Emergency services have been inundated with calls, carrying out hundreds of rescues from stranded vehicles and flooded buildings. Local authorities, such as those in Gandia, convened emergency committees and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
• Infrastructure Damage: Widespread flooding has caused damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, with some towns reporting rivers overflowing their banks and power outages.

Ongoing Vigilance and Safety Advice

The situation remains volatile, with AEMET forecasting that residual instability will persist into mid-week, maintaining a risk of additional localized downpours over saturated ground. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying or coastal zones to remain alert for renewed flash-flood conditions and to follow official advisories.

The Spanish Red Cross and Civil Protection agencies have advised citizens to:

• Stay informed via official channels.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially through flooded areas.
• Prepare emergency kits and secure homes.
• Contact 112 for emergency assistance.

The ongoing severe weather underscores the challenges faced by eastern Spain, particularly given the region's susceptibility to intense autumn rainfall events.