Stationary storm drops 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rain in one hour, causes severe flooding in Tarazona, Zaragoza, Spain

A major flooding event struck Tarazona and several areas of Zaragoza Province, Spain, on July 11, following the impact of a stationary convective system associated with a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos). The storm system produced extraordinary rainfall rates, leading to urban flooding, transportation disruptions, and civil protection interventions.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a red alert for Ribera del Ebro, triggered by radar detection of 100 mm (3.9 inches) of precipitation within one hour west of Zaragoza Airport. The warning remained active until 02:00 on July 12.

In Tarazona, rainfall reached 85 mm (3.3 inches) in 30 minutes, resulting in flooded streets, ground-floor residences, garages, and commercial establishments. Municipal crews reported over 30 flood-related incidents, including fallen trees and blocked roads, but no casualties.

Streets in the historic center were submerged, and local residents were forced to remove water from homes and clear debris.

400 people, primarily children attending summer camps, were evacuated from multiple locations in Las Merindades, a mountainous region in northern Burgos, Spain. The Civil Guard coordinated evacuations despite severe access difficulties caused by saturated terrain.

In Nela, two camps housing 186 kids aged 8 to 16, along with staff, were relocated to the Villarcayo de Merindad sports center, 140 kids in Loma de Montija, where ground conditions proved most challenging.

Meanwhile, in Pamplona, the storm prompted temporary suspension of San Fermín festivities, including the “toro de fuego” and events in Antoniutti Park, although fireworks and concerts were later reinstated following storm mitigation.

In Grisén, rainfall intensity peaked at 130 mm (5.1 inches) in one hour from 22:30–23:30 LT, leading to the closure of A-68 motorway due to flash flooding. Civil protection authorities activated the PROCIFEMAR Level 1 emergency protocol, later escalating it to Level 2, and deployed the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) to affected zones including Tarazona, Boquiñeni, Pleitas, Pradilla de Ebro, Pedrola, and Figueruelas for evaluation and response.

The flooding also caused power outages affecting at least 621 customers in Pradilla and Boquiñeni, restored by 03:52 LT on July 12 after interventions on a medium-voltage line.

Hail up to 2 cm (0.8 inches) in diameter and gusty winds were reported in Calatayud, Daroca, and areas of Campo de Borja, intensifying impacts in the broader Aragón region.

The government extended orange and yellow alerts into July 12 across Aragón and Catalonia for potential further storms, localized hail, and flash flooding.

References:

¹ La dana causa una treintena de incidencias en todo Aragón e inundaciones en Tarazona – El Pais – July 11, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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