In Cáceres, a sudden thunderstorm with heavy rain and strong winds caused major disruptions on the roads and flooding near the bus station. Streets were submerged, and dozens of parked cars were partially or completely underwater. The worst affected areas were Ronda de San Francisco and Avenida de la Hispanidad, where lightning and powerful gusts of wind accompanied the storm.
Municipal authorities decided to temporarily close all fenced parks and municipal buildings, including cultural centers and sports complexes. All events scheduled for the day were cancelled. Residents were strongly advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid walking in areas where falling trees or collapsing structures were possible.
Firefighters and rescue teams worked around the clock to clean up after the storm. Their main efforts focused on clearing storm drains and freeing flooded sections of road. In some cases, people had to be evacuated from vehicles trapped in the water. Fortunately, there were no reports of serious injuries, although one person did require medical attention after feeling unwell on San Francisco Street.
Orange alert and nationwide impact
Due to adverse weather conditions, an orange alert has been issued in Cáceres and ten other provinces. Authorities have advised residents to exercise extra caution, avoid parking cars under trees, and stay away from walls and fences that could be damaged by strong winds. They also recommended securing any objects on balconies that might be blown away.
The storm has affected other regions of Spain as well. In Galicia, more than 150 incidents have been reported, including fallen trees, downed power lines, and road blockages. In some areas, wind speeds reached 150 km/h, and heavy rains triggered local flooding, especially in the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña.
South of Spain under threat: new warnings issued
An orange alert has also been declared in Andalucía. Heavy rain and gale-force winds are expected in Sevilla, Huelva, Cádiz, and Málaga, and tornadoes are possible in some areas. Authorities in Sevilla have already activated a state of high alert, and temporary traffic restrictions have been introduced in Huelva and Cádiz.
Forecasters warn the bad weather will persist over the next 24 hours. The front, bringing rain and thunderstorms, is expected to continue moving from west to east, affecting most of the country. Drivers are urged to remain extremely cautious, especially when crossing bridges and tunnels where wind gusts can be particularly dangerous.
