Red Weather Alert Issued as Storm Emilia Delivers Torrential Rain to Tarragona, Spain and Malaga, Spain

Red Alert in Northeastern Spain

A severe weather situation unfolded in northeastern Spain as Spain’s state meteorological agency Aemet issued a red weather alert for the southern part of Tarragona, Spain. Intense rainfall overwhelmed the region in a short period of time.

In the Priorat area, more than 180 millimeters of rain fell within 12 hours. Meteorologists warned that in some locations rainfall totals could exceed 200 liters per square meter within 24 hours. The risk was immediate. The threat was serious.

Authorities cautioned that such volumes of rain could trigger flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and along normally dry channels.

Emergency Warnings and Rescue Operations

The government of Catalonia sent emergency SMS alerts to residents in the districts of Priorat, Baix Camp, and Ribera d’Ebre. The messages urged maximum caution and warned residents not to attempt crossing rivers or channels.

The danger became real farther south. In Murcia, Spain, Civil Guard teams rescued a man who was swept away by floodwaters and managed to cling to a tree. The incident underscored the speed and force of the runoff generated by the storm.

Meteorologists confirmed that the unstable conditions were caused by Storm Emilia, which has affected large parts of Spain since the weekend.

Storm Emilia Reaches Southern Spain

The tail end of Storm Emilia moved into southern Spain during the early hours of Tuesday, impacting Malaga province, Spain. Aemet maintained an active yellow warning for heavy rain and storms along the entire coastline of the province until 7 a.m.

Rain fell steadily overnight. Winds strengthened. Coastal and inland areas felt the impact.

Data from the Hidrosur network showed the highest rainfall totals in the Axarquia region, with 47 millimeters recorded in the Benamargosa river basin and 41.2 millimeters in Alcaucín. On the western Costa del Sol, 43.6 millimeters fell in Ojén within 12 hours.

Strong Winds and Local Damage

Strong gusts were reported across several municipalities, with the most notable impacts in Mijas, Spain. In La Cala, multiple arches of Christmas lights collapsed under the force of the wind. In Fuengirola, Spain, trees were uprooted and waste containers were knocked over.

The storm peaked during the early morning hours. Aemet forecasts indicated the most intense rainfall would occur between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., and the timing proved accurate.

Rain Eases as Warnings Are Lifted

By 7 a.m., the yellow warning for Malaga province was lifted. Cloudy skies persisted through the day, but the risk of further precipitation dropped significantly.

Temperatures in Málaga, Spain remained stable, ranging from 12 degrees Celsius in the morning to 16 degrees during the afternoon. Winds shifted to a westerly and northwesterly direction. No significant rainfall was expected during the remainder of the week.

Limited Impact on Reservoirs

Despite several days of rain, the effect on regional reservoirs remained modest. According to Hidrosur data, rainfall during the night from Sunday to Monday produced limited gains.

The most notable measurements included 12 millimeters in Los Reales, near Cortes de la Frontera, Spain, and around 9 millimeters in watercourses feeding the La Concepción reservoir. Tributaries including the Guadalmina, Guadaiza, and Guadalmansa saw minor increases.

Overall reservoir storage in the province stands at more than 278 million cubic meters, approximately 46 percent of total capacity. Guadalteba and Viñuela remain the fullest reservoirs, holding 79 and 70 million cubic meters respectively.

Rivers Watched Closely

Watercourses across Malaga province continue to flow at low to moderate levels. According to monitoring networks, there is currently no overflow risk.

Still, authorities remain alert. Storm Emilia has shown how quickly conditions can change. Rain falls fast. Water rises faster.