Storm Alice Batters Spain - Torrential Rain, Flash Floods, and Travel Chaos Across Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands

Torrential Rain Turns Streets Into Rivers

Storm Alice has unleashed days of chaos across eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and widespread flooding from Valencia to Ibiza. Streets have turned into muddy rivers. Cars have been swept away. Flights have been cancelled.

In Catalonia, powerful downpours triggered flash floods that ripped through towns and villages. Videos shared on social media showed brown torrents carrying debris, cars, and trash cans down narrow streets. Emergency crews worked through the night to rescue drivers stranded in submerged vehicles.

“The situation is complicated, and more rain is forecast," warned Cristina Vicente, a senior official from Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency. Her words came as Spain’s national weather agency, Aemet, issued a red alert for parts of Valencia, warning that as much as 100 millimetres of rain could fall within one hour.

So far, no fatalities have been confirmed, but at least 18 people have been injured, one seriously. Officials urged residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. “The ground is saturated. Even moderate rain could trigger new floods," a Civil Protection spokesperson said.

Flooding and Chaos Along the Mediterranean Coast

The storm has disrupted nearly every form of transportation across Spain’s Mediterranean corridor. Train services between Barcelona, Catalonia, and Valencia, Valencia, were suspended, affecting more than 3,000 passengers. Sections of the AP-7 motorway were closed between Freginals and Ulldecona as floodwater covered the highway.

The Spanish military’s Emergency Unit was deployed to assist with rescue operations, drainage, and debris removal. “It was impossible to drive. The water came too fast," said one driver from Castellón who abandoned his car when the road turned into a river.

Ibiza Airport Flooded, Flights Cancelled

In the Balearic Islands, Ibiza has been one of the hardest-hit areas. On Sunday evening, torrential rain flooded the runway and terminal at Ibiza Airport, Ibiza, Spain, forcing the airport to shut down temporarily. At least 24 flights were cancelled and others delayed or diverted.

The storm struck just eleven days after another round of record rainfall hit the island. Streets in Sant Josep and Santa Eulària were again under water, with residents forced to wade through knee-deep floods. Lightning struck a power line, causing blackouts across several municipalities.

Balearic President Marga Prohens and several government officials were stranded on a plane at Ibiza Airport as conditions worsened. Roads leading to the airport were closed, forcing emergency teams to open an alternate route along the EI-700. Bus services were suspended in Palma, and coastal parks were sealed off for safety.

“We are still dealing with the damage from the last storm," said one Ibiza resident. “Now everything is underwater again."

Warnings Extended for Valencia, Alicante, and Catalonia

The storm is not finished yet. Aemet has issued orange weather alerts for coastal provinces, including Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón, warning that heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue throughout the week. Some locations could receive up to 300 millimetres of rainfall before conditions improve around Saturday, October 18.

In Catalonia, where the storm is now moving north, local authorities have deployed additional rescue teams. “We are monitoring every river and drainage channel," said Vicente. “Any new rainfall could cause another surge."

In Valencia, Spain, emergency crews have been working around the clock to pump water from underground garages and subway tunnels. “The pumps are running nonstop," said one firefighter. “It feels like the rain will never stop."

A Rare Weather System With Growing Force

Storm Alice is part of a meteorological phenomenon known as a DANA - short for Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or “isolated depression in high levels." It forms when a pocket of cold air breaks away from the polar jet stream and settles over warm Mediterranean waters. The clash of temperatures creates unstable air and can unleash sudden, destructive downpours.

These systems are rare but notorious in Spain. In October 2024, a similar DANA caused catastrophic flooding in Valencia, Spain, killing more than 200 people. While Storm Alice is not expected to reach that level of devastation, it has already shown how quickly these storms can transform coastal cities.

“The problem is not just the rain," said an Aemet meteorologist. “It is the fact that the soil is already saturated and cannot absorb more water. Every drop now adds to the danger."

Residents Brace for More Rain

Across Ibiza, Valencia, and Catalonia, cleanup efforts are underway - even as more rain is on the way. In Santa Eulària, Ibiza, residents used buckets to scoop water from shops and restaurants while firefighters cleared storm drains clogged with debris.

“It feels endless," said one shop owner. “You clean, and then another storm hits."

Forecasters say Storm Alice will slowly weaken as it drifts east toward the Mediterranean by the weekend. But before it leaves, much of eastern Spain will endure several more rounds of heavy rain and gusty winds.

For now, the message from authorities is clear - stay indoors, stay alert, and stay away from floodwaters. From Valencia, Spain, to Barcelona, Catalonia, residents along the coast are watching the skies and waiting for the rain to stop.