On Wednesday evening, residents of coastal and nearby areas in Catalonia received an emergency alert on their mobile phones. Regional authorities warned of approaching heavy rains that could cause a sudden rise in water levels and localized flooding. Authorities strongly advised people to stay home unless absolutely necessary and to keep away from bodies of water, especially near rivers and ravines.
Despite the gravity of the situation, no official travel restrictions have been introduced yet. However, from early Thursday morning, many of the region’s universities cancelled classes. There were just two exceptions—Rovira i Virgili University (URV) and University of Lleida (UdL)—where schedules continued as normal. At Pompeu Fabra University (Pompeu Fabra), classes will only resume in the afternoon.
The weather has already disrupted transport operations. On the R15 and R14 railway lines, there were interruptions: on one section, a wall collapsed, while elsewhere a technical failure brought trains to a halt. The R2 line was completely blocked between Castelldefels and Granollers Centre due to an accident at Gavà station. Other commuter train routes have also faced delays and schedule changes.
Heavy rain began overnight and, according to forecasts, will continue through most of Thursday. Emergency services and technical teams are closely monitoring the situation. Authorities report that the main area of rainfall is moving from the south of Tarragona to the north of the region, with the most challenging conditions expected by midday in the coastal areas of Girona and the Pyrenees.
Emergency services on alert
By morning, firefighters had already responded to around twenty calls, and the emergency service had received over a hundred calls from concerned residents. Authorities stress that while the rain will be intense, it won’t be long-lasting, and the moving zone of precipitation lowers the risk of large-scale flooding. Nevertheless, a municipal state of heightened readiness has already been declared in Barcelona over possible issues with stormwater drainage.
Weather forecasters expect the first snowfall of the season in the Pyrenees mountains, though it is not expected to be heavy. Throughout the night and morning, the regional emergency response center has been operating in enhanced mode. Residents are urged to exercise maximum caution, avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, and refrain from parking near riverbeds or potentially hazardous areas.
Catalan authorities continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond quickly to any changes in weather conditions. Citizens are advised to stay updated and follow safety service guidelines.
