Powerful rains swept across southern Ávila and northern Cáceres overnight, triggered by Cyclone Claudia. In just a few hours, some towns received up to 150 liters of rainfall per square meter. As a result, rivers overflowed in these areas, forcing local authorities to implement emergency safety measures.
In the city of El Barco de Ávila, the Tormes River rose sharply, flooding riverside areas. Residents watched as the current completely submerged the riverbed and were forced to stay indoors. By morning, the rain had eased, but tension remained high: water levels began to slowly recede, yet the risk of further flooding persisted.
In northern Cáceres, in the municipality of Muñomoral, the Urdano River burst its banks. Local residents received emergency alerts on their mobile phones, warning of severe weather and urging them not to leave home unless necessary. In some towns, such as Tornavacas and Piornal, more than 120 liters of rain per square meter fell overnight.
Authorities in the autonomous communities of Castilla y León and Extremadura activated special flood response plans. An operational coordination center was set up to monitor the situation and coordinate rescue efforts. Throughout the night, road services and police monitored road conditions and responded promptly to new threats.
Road restrictions and disruptions to traffic
Several regional roads were temporarily closed due to river overflows and flooding. In Ávila, traffic was blocked on sections AV-P-536 and AV-P-537 near El Barco de Ávila. In Cáceres, road CC-224 was inaccessible near Hervás. Drivers were advised to use alternative routes and stay updated on the latest road conditions.
The severe weather also affected other regions of the country. On the island of Gran Canaria, three roads were closed: GC-60 in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, GC-200 in the Candelaria and El Risco areas, and GC-605 in La Culata. Local emergency services operated in enhanced mode to minimize the impact of the weather and ensure residents’ safety.
Residents’ response and precautionary measures
Throughout the night and into the early morning, residents of the affected areas received emergency alerts on their mobile phones. Authorities strongly advised people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary and to be prepared for a possible evacuation. Although precipitation intensity had decreased by morning, the situation remained under the control of civil protection services, who continued to monitor river levels and prepare for any potential new surges.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but it is already clear that Cyclone Claudia has become a serious test for the infrastructure and residents of several Spanish regions.
