Schools and universities will close across five Catalan comarcas on Wednesday, and outdoor sports are suspended as the Generalitat orders a rare halt to daily routines. The red alert for extreme rainfall covers Baix Llobregat, Vallès Occidental, Garraf, Alt Penedès and Baix Penedès. From 7:00 to 17:00, all non-impressive movement and activities are suspended. Spanish media reported that non-urgent healthcare services will also close for the day, as will day centers for elderly people and people with intellectual disabilities.
The decision follows a warning from meteorological services, which raised the risk level to five out of six and cautioned about possible flooding and pressure on infrastructure. Interior Minister Núria Parlon announced the measures at a press briefing, saying they were needed to protect residents from the expected heavy rain. Meteocat warned that rainfall could exceed 40 mm in 30 minutes. Thunderstorms and localized hazards are also possible. The INUNCAT emergency plan was activated after a technical committee meeting.
Barcelona separately activated its municipal flood response plan. City authorities warned of drainage risks and advised residents to disconnect electrical appliances and secure balconies and yards.
Barcelona is also preparing for the storm. Civil Protection has activated the Municipal Emergency Action Plan, warning of possible drainage failures and urging people to secure rooftops and clear gutters. Residents should also remove loose objects. The city council recommends disconnecting electrical devices and bringing pets indoors. It also advises keeping essentials such as medication, warm clothing and documents close at hand. Information from Europa Press and other outlets, these steps are part of a coordinated effort between the Generalitat and emergency services to limit property damage and injuries.
Residents in the affected areas will receive an Es-Alert notification on their phones with details on restrictions and safety advice. Authorities are asking everyone to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to work from home if possible. Those who must lead are advised to slow down and brake gently. They should keep a safe distance and avoid flood-prone routes. The government says the Es-Alert system will send real-time safety information directly to people in the affected comarcas.
The disruption extends beyond schools and healthcare. All outdoor sports are suspended, and day centers for vulnerable groups will stay closed. The Generalitat aims to limit exposure and risk while keeping people informed through real-time alerts. This level of intervention is unusual and reflects the seriousness of the weather threat.
The emergency measures were decided after a session of the INUNCAT technical committee. The decision reflects close coordination between the Generalitat and emergency response services. Authorities have also emphasized remote work and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel because of the risk of flooding and drainage failures.
In recent weeks, storms have battered northern Spain, with heavy rainfall in Galicia leading to similar emergency steps. Now, Catalonia faces its own challenge as authorities work to prevent chaos and keep people safe.
The Generalitat’s rapid response, including remote-work recommendations, public service closures and targeted alerts, reflects a shift in how regional governments handle climate-driven weather extremes. These measures will disrupt daily life for thousands. Officials say the alternative, leaving people exposed to dangerous conditions, would be far worse. Authorities are acting quickly to limit the storm’s impact.
