Civil Protection issues emergency phone alert in 13 metropolitan cities for torrential rain

Civil Protection authorities issued an emergency phone alert in 13 Barcelona metropolitan municipalities for torrential rain on Saturday 1pm local time.

The warning foresaw severe weather for the following two hours, and was received by residents in Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Canovelles, Granollers, Parets del Vallès, Montmeló, Montornès del Vallès, Martorelles, la Llagosta, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Montcada i Reixac, Tiana and Montgat, but not in the Catalan capital, Barcelona.

In these areas, some rain-related incidents had been reported, such as water leaks and flooding in ground-floor premises.

The message urges people to avoid travel and outdoor activities, stay away from rivers, streams and ravines, and not to cross flooded or water-covered crossings. It also advises against going down to basements, recommends moving to upper floors if water enters buildings, and calls on residents to dial 112 in case of emergency.

The northern part of Barcelona metropolitan area registered significant amount of rain on Saturday morning. Badalona led the ranks at 56 mm at approximately 1pm, with Granollers at 37 mm, and Dosrius at 23 mm.