Flood plan in alert phase in southern Catalonia due to weekend torrential rain forecast

Civil Protection authorities maintain the Inuncat flood plan in alert phase in southern Catalonia due to the forecast of torrential rain.

Heavy downpours are expected this evening and night in the Camp de Tarragona area, as well as on Saturday in the Ebre Delta area.

The Meteorological Service of Catalonia predicts that more than 40mm of rain could fall in a quick 30-minute shower, and has assigned a danger level of 4 out of 6 due to the intensity of the rain.

There are also warnings of level 3 out of 6 due to accumulation, since it is expected that 60mm could fall over three hours in these areas.

The storms may be accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind.

Thursday saw hailstones of 3cm fall in some parts of Catalonia.

According to the latest forecast from the meteorological service, the deluge will begin in the Camp de Tarragona area from 8 pm on Friday.

It's then expected that the storms will move towards the sea and return inland through the Ebre Delta area with intense rain on Saturday morning.

Heavy showers could also be seen in southern Catalonia throughout Saturday afternoon.

The Catalan Water Agency does not expect widespread overflows of rivers, but has warned that the accumulations of water can cause sudden floods in streams, torrents, and ravines.

In addition, it does not rule out local impacts on streams and roads that cross the riverbeds of the areas affected by the rains.