Protecció Civil de la Generalitat has activated the INUNCAT special emergency plan for floods in Catalonia, following forecasts of intense rain from the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (SMC). The activation, currently in the Alert phase, comes amid concerns about potential impacts across the region.
The SMC predicts that between 2pm and 8pm, rainfall could exceed 20 litres per square metre in 30 minutes. This threshold is expected to be surpassed across most of the coastal and pre-coastal areas, as well as the Plana de Vic, the eastern Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees, and Central Catalonia. The areas with the highest probability of experiencing these intense downpours include Anoia, Bages, Baix Llobregat, Moianès, and Vallès Oriental and Occidental.
These expected showers will be accompanied by thunderstorms and, in some locations, hail or strong gusts of wind. Protecció Civil is urging extreme caution for those travelling and participating in outdoor activities. This warning is particularly important for areas prone to rapid water accumulation or sudden rises in streams and torrents.
Safety Recommendations Issued
Officials recommend that residents avoid parking in dry riverbeds or flood-prone areas. They also advise against crossing rivers, streams, or flooded zones, whether on foot or by vehicle. Reducing mobility during heavy rainfall is also suggested. People should stay away from riverbeds, ravines, and floodable underpasses. Staying informed about weather forecasts and following instructions from authorities is also critical, according to Protecció Civil. Further advice and municipal recommendations related to INUNCAT are available on the interior.gencat.cat website.
