Flood alert issued in Catalonia as heavy rain hits

The Civil Protection Agency has activated the Inuncat flood emergency plan due to forecasts for heavy rainfall on Friday.

Much of Catalonia could be affected, especially Girona, Central Catalonia, coastal, and pre-coastal areas.

According to forecasts, up to 20mm of rain could fall in just 30 minutes.

The Catalan Meteorological Service (Meteocat) has said the weather warning for intense rain will remain in force until 8pm, with the heaviest downpours expected between 12 midday and 6pm.

Flood warnings were in place for the entire Catalan coastline between 6am and 12 noon.

In the afternoon, the flood alert extends inland to pre-coastal areas and counties in Girona and Central Catalonia.

There is particular concern for the area surrounding Barcelona: Alt Penedès, Baix Llobregat, Selva, Vallès Occidental, and Vallès Oriental counties.

Civil Protection has urged the public to take extra care when travelling or taking part in outdoor activities, and to avoid crossing rivers, streams or ravines, or going near flood-prone areas.

Storm Alice

Friday's heavy rain comes less than a week after Storm Alice hit southern Catalonia, leaving one person severely injured and 17 others with minor injuries, while prompting numerous rescues and causing widespread damage across the region.

The torrential downpour in the Terres de l'Ebre area brought unusually high rainfall, with the Santa Bàrbara weather station in Montsià recording 300 liters per square meter.

Despite the injuries and damage, no major fatalities were reported, thanks to timely alerts.