Storm Alice Unleashes Torrential Flooding and Widespread Travel Chaos Across Eastern Spain

Severe Weather Batters Eastern Spain

Eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands experienced significant disruption and severe weather conditions between October 7 and 13, 2025, as Storm Alice, identified as a Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), brought torrential rainfall and flash flooding. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued red, amber, and yellow weather alerts across the affected regions, signaling 'extreme danger' in some areas.

The storm's impact was particularly felt in Catalonia, Valencia, Murcia, and Alicante, as well as the islands of Ibiza, Majorca, and Formentera.

Widespread Flooding and Emergency Response

Torrential downpours led to widespread flash flooding, with streets transforming into rivers and drainage systems becoming overwhelmed. Rainfall totals were exceptionally high, with some areas along the Mediterranean coast receiving over 180 mm (7 inches) of rain, and specific locations like Mas de Barberans recording nearly 272 mm (11 inches).

Emergency services were heavily engaged in rescue operations, particularly for individuals trapped in vehicles. In the Tarragona province, for instance, emergency crews rescued multiple drivers from a flooded freeway outside Amposta. Homes and businesses in municipalities such as Godall, La Ràpita, and Santa Bàrbara were inundated. Evacuations were necessary in flood-prone areas, including a camping site at La Manga in Murcia and the town of Pilar de la Horadada in Alicante, where 72 people were moved to safety.

Major Travel Disruptions Across Air, Rail, and Road Networks

Storm Alice caused extensive travel chaos, impacting all modes of transport:

• Air Travel: Over 59 flights were canceled and more than 1,500 flights delayed across major airports, including Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid, and Alicante. Ibiza Airport experienced temporary closures of parts of its terminal due to flooding and power cuts, leading to at least 24 flight cancellations. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Finnair, United, Air France, Swiss, Ryanair, Vueling, and Pegasus were among those affected.
• Rail Services: Train services along the Mediterranean corridor between Barcelona and Valencia were suspended, affecting over 3,000 passengers. Tracks near Ulldecona and L'Aldea were inundated, forcing a Rodalies R16 commuter train to stop and passengers to be evacuated.
• Road Networks: Numerous roads were closed due to flooding, landslides, and rockfalls. Key routes affected included sections of the AP-7 freeway between Ulldecona and Freginals, the N-340, C-12, T-331, and TP-3311. Access roads to Los Montesinos in the Vega Baja area were rendered impassable.

Authorities, including Protecció Civil and the Military Emergency Unit, were deployed to assist with rescue operations, drainage, and debris removal. Residents were advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from riverbanks, underpasses, and low-lying areas.

Outlook and Ongoing Concerns

While the most intense period of Storm Alice was between October 7 and 13, AEMET forecasts indicated that residual instability and localized downpours could persist, maintaining a risk of further flooding over saturated ground. As of October 13, no fatalities directly attributed to Storm Alice had been officially confirmed.