
Spanish authorities issued a red alert for torrential rains across Valencia, Castellón, and Tarragona on Thursday, triggering widespread disruptions to transport and education. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) warned of "extraordinary danger," forecasting up to 90 liters per square meter in one hour and 250 liters in 12 hours in parts of Castellón and Valencia, with similar conditions in Tarragona .
The Generalitat Valenciana activated an Es-Alert at 10:02 a.m., urging residents to avoid travel, stay away from ravines, and move to higher floors if water levels rose. Municipalities suspended afternoon and Friday classes in schools, universities, and senior centers, with Valencia city later extending the closure to all educational facilities .
Renfe halted all Cercanías, Media Distancia, and long-distance services from Valencia starting at 6 p.m., affecting 18 trains, including Euromed and Intercity routes to Catalonia. Three Media Distancia trains already en route were diverted to road transport. The company waived change and cancellation fees and advised passengers to check updates via official channels .
By late afternoon, Xodos in Castellón recorded 104 liters per square meter in one hour, while Yátova in Valencia saw 80 liters in 40 minutes. Emergency services activated a yellow-level pre-emergency flood plan for the Túria river basins, urging local councils to monitor watercourses . The Generalitat extended the red alert into Friday, citing persistent heavy rainfall .
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