Storm Alice brings record rainfall and flash floods to Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia, Spain

A cut-off upper low known as Storm Alice (DANA Alice) affected large parts of eastern Spain during the second week of October 2025. The event produced torrential rainfall, flash floods, and transport disruption across the coastal provinces of Alicante, Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, as well as the Balearic Islands.

The system developed when cold upper-level air detached from the main westerly flow and stalled over the western Mediterranean. Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA) combined with warm, moisture-laden air from the sea, triggering persistent convective bands along the coast. AEMET bulletins described the rainfall as “muy fuertes y persistentes” — very strong and long-lasting — especially over the provinces of Alicante and Murcia.

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) activated red weather alerts for extreme rainfall, warning of accumulations above 180 mm (7 inches) in 12 hours and localized intensities surpassing 100 mm (4 inches) in a single hour in southeastern regions. Forecast models indicated totals exceeding 250–300 mm (10–12 inches) over several days in the most exposed areas.

According to AEMET and the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), several comarques in the Terres de l’Ebre area recorded over 40 mm (1.6 inches) in 30 minutes, with total accumulations locally surpassing 100 mm (4 inches) in 24 hours on Sunday.

In the province of Alicante, the station at Pilar de la Horadada recorded 153 mm (6 inches) in one episode, among the highest verified totals reported publicly.

A measuring station in nearby Mas de Barberans recorded almost 272 mm (11 inches) of rainfall over the weekend, according to Meteocat.

Tarragona province was one of the hardest hit regions, with flash floods inundating streets and forcing the closure of the AP-7 freeway between Ulldecona and Freginals. Nearby municipalities, including Godall, La Ràpita, and Santa Bàrbara, reported flooded homes and streets as drainage systems were overwhelmed.

On Sunday, October 12, Protecció Civil escalated INUNCAT to emergency phase for Montsià, Baix Ebre, Ribera d’Ebre, Baix Camp, and Terra Alta, citing active flooding and continued precipitation. Local authorities suspended classes in the most affected areas and urged residents to avoid riverbanks, underpasses, and low-lying zones.

All trains travelling through the Mediterranean corridor from Barcelona and Valencia, Spain’s second and third-largest cities respectively, were suspended until further notice, the national railway company Renfe announced.

Catalan emergency services received 998 calls since 17:00 local time on Sunday. Emergency services rescued multiple drivers who were trapped on a flooded freeway outside the town of Amposta.

Firefighters of the Government of Catalonia (Bombers de la Generalitat) and local emergency units carried out rescues from stranded cars and flooded buildings. Transport networks were disrupted, with many regional roads, including the N-340, C-12, T-331, and TP-3311, being temporarily closed.

The Catalan Water Agency (ACA) and the Ebro River Basin Authority (CHE) continue monitoring river levels and reservoir discharges to prevent downstream surges.

AEMET forecasts indicate that residual instability will persist into mid-week, maintaining a risk of additional localized downpours over saturated ground.

Authorities are advising residents in low-lying or coastal zones to remain alert for renewed flash-flood conditions and to follow official advisories until the system fully dissipates.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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