A rare Mediterranean hurricane, or medicane, could bring more than 200 litres of rain per square metre to parts of Catalunya in six hours, along with winds strong enough to trigger tornadoes and waterspouts. Civil Protection and the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat) have described it as an “exceptional episode.” The most dangerous period is expected to begin tonight and continue through midday Sunday.
Authorities will send Es-Alert messages this afternoon to people in high-risk areas. The alerts cover the central coastal comarcas, the northeast and parts of central Catalunya. Specific zones include Alt Empordà, Alt Penedès, Baix Empordà, Baix Llobregat, Garraf, Garrotxa, Gironès, Pla de l'Estany, Selva, Vallès, Barcelonès, Alt Camp, Baix Camp, Baix Penedès, Osona, Ripollès, Moianès and Tarragonès. The greatest concern is for coastal and pre-coastal areas of Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona, where flooding and wind damage are most likely.
Official reports from Meteocat and AEMET say red-level weather warnings are in effect for Camp de Tarragona, Penedès and Ebre. Rainfall rates could reach 40 l/m² in 30 minutes and 90 l/m² per hour in the hardest-hit areas.
Meteocat director Sara Sarroca and forecasting chief Santi Segalà say all models now point to a medicane that could bring “impressive downpours.” Rain has already started in some areas, and conditions could deteriorate quickly. Officials urge people to avoid places prone to flooding and reconsider travel or outdoor plans. The government is preparing new restrictions from 8 p.m. tonight until midday Sunday.
Organisers of public events have been told to cancel activities involving large crowds, outdoor exposure or extensive movement. The highest risk is along the coast in Tarragona and Barcelona, where rainfall could reach 200 l/m². Some inland areas also face a risk.
This level of emergency response is not unprecedented. Civil Protection has issued similar alerts before, including for heavy rain in Tarragona, as reported previously. But this storm stands out for its scale and intensity. Tornadoes and waterspouts are possible, adding to the uncertainty.
AEMET and several leading Spanish media outlets have also reported that the storm system has affected Valencia and Castellón, with the risk zone expanding and persisting for several days. Authorities have warned of secondary dangers, including sudden river surges, thunderstorms and local whirlwinds, and urged people to remain vigilant.
Emergency services are on alert. Mass alerts and calls to suspend public events reflect the seriousness of the risk. Spain is used to sudden weather changes, but Mediterranean hurricanes are rare. How people and officials respond as the storm unfolds will shape the outcome.
