Severe Weather Disrupts Barcelona: Flooding and Transportation Chaos

Monday 04 November 2024 - 14:55

A significant weather event has struck the Catalonia region, particularly impacting Barcelona and its surroundings. The storm, characterized by torrential rain, has led to widespread disruptions, including train service cancellations and airport delays. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) issued a red alert for the area, forecasting up to 180 liters of rain per square meter within a 12-hour period, primarily affecting the Baix Llobregat region.

The storm began early Monday morning, initially hitting Tarragona before moving northward along the coastline. As the weather worsened, the Generalitat sent mobile alerts urging residents in affected regions, including Barcelonès and Garraf, to limit travel to essential trips only. Civil Protection officials advised against picking up children from schools due to hazardous conditions.

From midnight until early afternoon, emergency services received over 2,136 calls, with Castelldefels recording the highest rainfall totals of 155 liters per square meter. Major highways experienced closures due to flooding, including the AP7 near Tarragona and the C-32. Train services across Catalonia were suspended starting at 10:40 AM due to inundated tracks, with high-speed rail services between Tarragona and Barcelona also halted after a tunnel in El Prat flooded. By early afternoon, Renfe reported that high-speed services had resumed.

The situation at Barcelona's El Prat Airport was equally dire. Flooding within the airport facilities caused delays for numerous flights and led to the diversion of at least 17 incoming flights. Airlines canceled approximately fifty outbound operations as access routes to the airport were compromised due to waterlogging.

The Aemet's red alert was in effect until 2 PM, warning of continued heavy rainfall and potential landslides. The agency advised individuals to avoid rivers and streams that could swell unexpectedly even without ongoing rain. The Llobregat River recorded alarming flow rates exceeding 500 cubic meters per second, raising flood risk concerns.

In response to the severe weather conditions, classes were suspended across all schools in Tarragona province, including at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Many healthcare facilities also canceled non-urgent appointments due to access difficulties.

Catalonia's president Salvador Illa urged residents to exercise extreme caution as alerts remained active throughout the region. The government reiterated its warnings regarding possible landslides and flooding risks associated with ongoing rainfall.

As emergency services continue to respond to this crisis, authorities emphasize the importance of heeding safety warnings and remaining vigilant during this challenging weather event.