Emergency services have issued two Es-Alert messages to the public due to heavy rainfall affecting the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. The first alert was directed at residents along the northern coast of Alicante and the southern coast of Valencia, which have been placed under a red weather alert from 10:00 AM tomorrow, Sunday 18th October. A second message was subsequently sent to residents in the northern coast and southern interior of Valencia, where an orange alert came into force overnight, urging people to take extra precautions.
The State Meteorological Agency elevated its forecast to a red alert, indicating extraordinary danger, for the southern coast of Valencia and the north of Alicante. Rainfall accumulations are expected to reach 200 litres per square metre within twelve hours and up to 300 litres per square metre over a 24-hour period in certain areas. This warning remains in effect until 11:59 PM, with authorities warning that vulnerable properties and individuals in exposed locations could experience severe impacts. Civil Protection has also transmitted mobile phone warnings regarding flood risks, advising the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
The red alert is scheduled to continue into Monday the 19th for the northern coast of Alicante and the southern coast of Valencia between midnight and 10:00 AM. Additional orange alerts apply to the Alicante coast, where rainfall could reach 60 litres per square metre in a single hour in northern districts, and totals of up to 150 litres per square metre in twelve hours or 300 litres per square metre in 24 hours. The southern coast of Alicante is also expecting up to 50 litres per square metre. Similar orange warnings for heavy rain remain active across the coast and southern interior of Valencia.
In the province of Castellón, a yellow warning has been issued along the entire coastline for rainfall reaching 30 litres per square metre, potentially accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts. Coastal phenomena are also expected, featuring northeast winds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, corresponding to force 7, alongside waves measuring 3 to 4 metres in height. These rough sea conditions are forecasted to affect the entire coast of Valencia and the northern coast of Alicante as well.
The adverse weather conditions, including storms, continued rain, strong winds, and coastal disturbances, will persist across the Valencian Community into Monday. The red alert for the southern coast of Valencia and the northern coast of Alicante will stay in place due to the ongoing threat of extreme downpours. Furthermore, orange alerts remain active for the southern interior of Valencia and the coast of Castellón, alongside continued warnings for hazardous coastal winds and waves across the region.
