Flood emergency plans activated ahead of expected rains on Wednesday and Thursday

Civil Protection authorities have activated the Special Emergency Flood Plan, known in Catalan as 'Inuncat', ahead of the forecast of heavy showers expected on Wednesday and Thursday.

Heavy rains are expected in various parts of the territory, especially in the northern half and coastal and pre-coastal regions of Barcelona and Tarragona.

According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC), rains of up to 40mm could fall in merely 30 minutes in the areas affected, while storms and hail could also fall.

A warning has also been issued for rains of more than 100mm in 24 hours in several areas of the northeast and inland.

On Thursday, precipitation will continue but with a lower intensity and probability, affecting mainly the southern coast.

High winds will help move the rain clouds around, preventing them from remaining static over any one area.

The warnings are local in nature, but they can cause significant temporary effects in urban areas, low points, sewers, or streams.

Civil Protection asks citizens to exercise extreme precautions and avoid parking vehicles in flood zones or near streams and torrents, as well as not to cross forbidden areas either on foot or by vehicle.