Schools close early as heavy rain prompts red alerts in southern Catalonia

Schools in the Baix Ebre and Montsià counties closed early today, with classes on the first day of the new academic year ordered to end at 2pm due to the intense rainfall forecast for southern Catalonia on Monday afternoon.

Civil Protection and the Department of Education asked parents to pick up their children earlier, if possible, and are coordinating the early departure of school transport.

Pupils who cannot be picked up will remain under staff supervision.

The Catalan Meteorological Service (Meteocat) is forecasting intense rainfall and significant water accumulation in the coming hours, especially in the Baix Ebre and Montsià counties, but also along coastal and pre-coastal parts of Camp de Tarragona.

A mobile alert has been sent to phones in the region, warning people to take precaution and avoid unnecessary travel and risky outdoor activities.

Santi Sagalà, head of forecasting at Meteocat, explained that some areas have already recorded rainfall of over 1 mm per minute, with up to 40 mm in half an hour and total accumulations of up to 100 mm expected.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency Aemet warns that more than 90mm could fall in one hour in southern Tarragona's coastal and pre-coastal zones. Torrential rain is expected between 3pm and 9pm, and the agency warns of possible flooding and sudden water surges in the affected areas.

President calls for caution

President Salvador Illa called on citizens in Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l'Ebre to exercise caution and said the government is monitoring the situation.

Speaking from Granollers, Illa explained that he is in contact with interior minister Núria Parlon and urged residents in affected areas to "stay alert" and follow guidance from Catalonia's emergency and prevention services.