Monday, July 14, 2025
Spain is facing extreme weather, with popular tourist resorts underwater after torrential rain and deadly floods. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has placed 25 provinces of Spain, including marquee destinations such as Zaragoza, Barcelona, Girona or Tarragona, on alert for bad weather. These warnings indicate that the storm is intense, with many reports of downed trees and at least localized flooding across much of the Plains and Great Lakes.
Weather warnings and province impact in Spain

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The AEMET issued a batch of yellow, orange and red weather alerts for various regions of Spain, including Aragon and Catalonia. The alerts range from heavy rainstorms to a possibility of flash flooding. Eight provinces were issued orange warnings over the weekend, pointing to a risk of severe conditions, although others were issued yellow warnings for more moderate weather.
The storm has also affected the provinces of Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza, as well as Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Castellón. These are not only known for their cultural and natural heritage but are also hotspots in Spain tourism. Flash floods resulting from heavy rain have washed out roads, infrastructure and homes in many of these places, causing chaos for residents and tourists alike.

The Explanation Behind the Storm: DANA Phenomenon
The storm responsible for these severe weather events is a DANA, or “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” meaning “isolated depression at high altitudes” and commonly termed as a “cold drop.” This happens when the cold air from high atmosphere clashes with warmer Mediterranean air, generating turbulence that cause fierce thunderstorms and downpours.
Specifically, the contrast in temperature from the cold to warm air masses can result in fast vertical lifting of warm, moist air, leading to the development of thunderstorms. This procedure can cause very large rainfall rates over a short period which can result in the threat of flooding, flash flooding and dangerous weather impacts. The system that is causing the extreme weather currently in Spain is the so called DANA, and its effects will be felt in the region for the next few days.
Heavy Rainfall and Localized Flooding
AEMET’s weather forecasts say that areas such as Aragon and Catalonia will see 50mm of rainfall per square metre. In places the rain will continue to build up, with some serious flooding concerns. The banks of Ebro River at Tarazona, Zaragoza, was under red alert on Friday after close to 100mm of rain fell within an hour. When rainfall of this magnitude falls in a short amount of time, it can overrun drainage infrastructure and resulting in localized flooding.
The flooding has blocked many highways and also large roads and towns and villages further cut off by the rising waters. Relief operations have been going on round-the-clock to take care of the flooding, but large parts of the country have been severely hit by rain. It is also continuing storm thus more rainfall is anticipated, worsening already the dire situation.
Military Emergency Unit Mobilised for Flood Assistance
Spain ’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been brought in to assist with the crisis. The UME has received orders to provide immediate response for natural calamities like flood rescues. Emergency services in Zaragoza have been involved in rescuing people trapped, evacuations and helping victims of the flooding.
The UME’s involvement underscores the urgency of the situation; they are typically called in only during extreme weather events, when extra help — and expertise — are required. The floods in Zaragoza and the surrounding region are among the worst the emergency units have suffered in recent months, as they work to mitigate the damage and service those in need.
Tourist Impact and Travel Disruptions
The weather disruptions have resulted in delays, cancellations and travel difficulties for tourists in Spain. Zaragoza, Barcelona, Girona, among other sites, are among the various cities that many visitors had hoped to venture to, and there have been reports of people stuck in the process of travel because of the storms. Public transport networks have also been affected, with train services and buses hit by flooded tracks and closed roads.
Although, the flooding hasn’t done widespread damage to the most visited sites, the impact on daily travel and logistics for some visitors has made their vacation experience less than ideal. In Barcelona, heavy rains and flash floods led to street closures and delays, affecting tourists who wanted to see landmarks like La Sagrada Familia or walk along La Rambla.
In Girona and Tarragona, both hubs for anyone visiting Spain’s rustic towns and Mediterranean coast, similar raucous interruptions have occurred. The flooding in rural areas also has resulted in power outages and damage to local infrastructure, causing yet more disruption to travelers trying to make their way out. It’s not just affecting the weather outlook but is producing continued active storminess
The storm is set to continue to impact Spain over the next few days with AEMET expecting more heavy rains and thunderstorms and even the possibility of torrential downpours. The weather will affect not only the areas where alerts are in place but also the Cantabrian coast, the Balearic Islands, and parts of central and eastern Spain, it adds. Madrid and the south also may be in for some rain, but it will probably not be as bad in Catalonia and Aragon.
Tourists who are due to visit Spain in the next few day are recommended to check the weather forecasts and follow the recommendations of the local authorities. If you’re travelling you should keep up to date with AEMET’s weather warnings to hear about potential disruptions and flooding. People are advised to stay inside during heavy rain in the affected areas and to steer clear of flooded areas whenever possible.
Advice and Recommendations for Travelers
It has not, however, issued a travel warning for Spain in the wake of the flooding; travellers are being urged to monitor the weather and follow local advice. Travellers should check with their accommodation and tour operators to be kept informed of local conditions and if any disruptions are planned.
With flights and local transport services being cancelled or delayed, there may be assistance or alternative arrangements available for stranded travellers. Still, because the storm is still raging, passengers should be ready for longer-than-normal waits and the possibility of being rebooked.
Conclusion: Negotiating Spain’s Extreme Weather Challenges
The recent storms and floods in Spain have brought home the catastrophic consequences that severe weather can bring — especially to vacationers. Spain is still a friendly, lively travel destination, but the weather news here should remind travelers to be ready for surprises. Travelers intending to arrive to Spain during the next days are recommended to monitor weather forecasts, use caution, and follow local guidance during extreme weather episodes, for their own safety and enjoyment of their trip. With the assist of emergency services and local governments, affected areas will bounce back and Spain will remain one of the premier places to visit for travelers. On the other hand, visitors should come prepared to confront extreme weather.

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Tags: Aragon, Barcelona, catalonia, flood alerts, girona, Lleida, Mediterranean coast, storm warnings, Tarragona, travel disruptions

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