Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Spanish weather is expected to improve after record-breaking rainfall caused flooding across parts of the country, leading to people being stranded on rooftops and mass evacuations, and leaving at least five people dead.
Spain’s weather agency Aemet said Storm Adam has caused “exceptional amounts” of rain to fall across eastern Spain over the past day, cutting off several towns along the Mediterranean coast as rivers burst their banks.
Sections of Ibiza airport had to be cordoned off as rain seeped through the ceilings onto the floors.
The weather station at the airport logged a record-breaking 173mm of rainfall in 24 hours on Sunday, 18 October, the highest figure at this location since 1944, when records began.
Helicopters have been deployed across the country to rescue people stranded on rooftops and terraces, while the military has been sent across the Balearic Islands to pump out sludge and water from roads.
More than 220 people have been rescued in Valencia, a city that only two years ago experienced one of the country’s deadliest flooding disasters in history, killing over 200 people.
The Valencian town of Oliva was among the worst affected on Monday, with 600 litres per square metre of rainfall in 24 hours. Some 400 locals were evacuated to a community building where they spent the night.
The coastal areas and islands of Spain are very popular with tourists. Here is what to know if you are planning a trip to Spain.
Will the storm continue?
Aemet issued red and orange weather warnings for areas of Spain over the past few days, but most have since been lifted.
There are only yellow weather warnings in place on the Empordán coast in northeast Spain and Menorca as of Tuesday, 20 October.
Aemet said heavy showers in La Palma and El Hierro, which could be accompanied by storms, are expected Tuesday afternoon, as well as showers in Galicia.
By Thursday, the weather is forecast to be sunny again, without significant precipitation. These conditions are expected to remain in place until Sunday, when precipitation will return in the far north of the peninsula.
Flights were affected by rain over the weekend in places like Ibiza and Mallorca, but have returned to normal on Tuesday.
What does the UK government say?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) has no specific warnings or advice regarding the flooding and heavy rain in Spain.
In general, the FCDO warns that flash flooding in Spain can cause travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure.
It advises British nationals to check Aemet’s weather warnings before travel and follow the advice of local authorities.
Can I cancel my holiday to Spain?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Spain, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone.
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
Read more: Ibiza airport flooded and flights cancelled following heavy rainfall
