Intense downpours over Catalonia in July. Is it normal?
On Saturday, northeastern Spain once again came under the influence of a cold drop, an intense weather phenomenon known as DANA. Violent downpours over Catalonia led to a transportation blockade in Barcelona, and serious flooding occurred in nearby towns.
Up to 100 mm of rain
On Saturday afternoon, residents of Catalonia received mobile alerts about the risk of heavy rainfall. The regional meteorological service Meteocat issued a warning at the highest, sixth level of threat. Citizens were advised to avoid travel and outdoor recreation and to stay away from areas prone to flooding.
The forecasts quickly came true. In just one hour, up to 90 l/m² of rain fell in the Barcelona area. The water level in the Foix River rose rapidly – in the coastal town of Cubelles, the flow reached 200 m³/s, causing local flooding. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” commented the local mayor, Rosa Montserrat Fonoll.
The Cardener River also overflowed, sweeping away parked cars nearby. In neighboring Aragon, rainfall reached 100 l/m², causing a flash flood on the main streets of Zaragoza, the region’s capital. In total, 25 Spanish provinces were affected by exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Closed roads, hospital evacuated
The intense downpours over Catalonia caused transportation chaos. Some roads were closed, and Renfe railway lines suspended service for Saturday afternoon. A plane that took off from Barcelona to the United States was forced to turn back due to hail damage. The streets of the Catalan capital turned into muddy streams, and squares and markets were also flooded.
One of the hardest-hit towns was Vilafranca del Penedès, where a century-old rainfall record was broken – the total amount of rain over several hours reached 155 l/m². Local emergency services had to intervene over 200 times, all outdoor events were canceled, and vineyards were flooded. Water also entered the local hospital, reaching 1.5 meters on the ground floor and flooding operating rooms, among other areas. All patients were evacuated to other facilities, and the hospital was closed until further notice.
Firefighters end search
Catalonia’s fire brigade announced last night the end of the search for two people missing after Saturday’s flash flood. According to a witness, the swollen waters of the Foix River swept an adult and a child from a wooden bridge. In response to the report, firefighters searched the riverbanks, the estuary, the beach, and nearby sea. However, no trace was found, and the operation was suspended until new evidence emerges. So far, no one has reported any missing persons.
Will similar downpours over Catalonia become more common?
Journalists from El País ask whether such cloudbursts can be considered a normal weather phenomenon. Experts from the Spanish meteorological agency Aemet say that heavy rainfalls are not unusual in July. However, they add that the intensity of this year’s downpours has indeed increased, with the main reason being the rising temperature of the Mediterranean Sea.
Spain is not alone in facing this threat. Over the past weekend, Italy’s Genoa was also hit by heavy rains, and last week flood risks affected Poland. This morning, IMGW-PIB issued a new warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over most of the country. Rainfall may locally reach up to 50 mm, and hail is also expected. We will need to get used to holidays marked by the effects of climate change.
main photo: Lala Azizli/Unsplash
