Severe Weather Warning Issued for Wednesday Morning

The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) has issued a red alert, level 5 out of 6, for intense rainfall expected on Wednesday, 9 September, between 6 AM and 12 PM in the regions of Baix and Alt Penedès, Garraf, Baix Llobregat, and Vallès Occidental. According to Meteocat's forecast, these areas could see more than 40 litres per square metre of rain fall within just 30 minutes, raising significant concerns about flash flooding.

Intense downpours may be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, with potential for violent weather phenomena.

Wider Metropolitan Area Under Heavy Rain Watch

Beyond the red-alert zones, a broader yellow warning, level 4 out of 6, is in place for Barcelonès, Maresme, and Vallès Oriental. These areas face a risk of exceeding 40 litres per square metre in 30 minutes and up to 90 litres in three hours during the early morning of Wednesday, though the likelihood is assessed as lower. Rainfall is expected to begin late Tuesday evening across the metropolitan area, intensifying through Wednesday morning due to an incoming front. The sudden drop in temperature, combined with residual heat, increases atmospheric instability, contributing to widespread showers and thunderstorms.

Civil Protection Activates Inuncat Flood Plan

In anticipation of the severe weather, Civil Protection has activated Catalonia’s special emergency flood plan, Inuncat, effective from Tuesday evening. The activation follows official forecasts indicating risks not only of heavy rain but also thunderstorms, hail, and strong gusts. Residents are urged to avoid travel during peak rainfall and to stay clear of streams, rivers, and known flood-prone areas. Motorists are advised that even shallow water can disable vehicles and pose life-threatening conditions.

Extreme caution is recommended when moving around during periods of intense precipitation, especially near drainage channels or low-lying roads.

Weather Outlook: Improvement by Thursday

By Wednesday afternoon, the risk of torrential rain diminishes, although some coastal and pre-coastal areas may still accumulate very high rainfall totals. From Thursday onward, weather conditions are expected to stabilise, with temperatures remaining steady and no further significant precipitation predicted. Residents in affected areas should monitor updates via the Meteocat warnings page and follow guidance from Protecció Civil on safety measures during extreme weather events.

Primary sources: govern.cat, interior.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya. Generalitat de Catalunya, t.co, cope.es, elnacional.cat, El Periódico, regio7.cat, en.ara.cat, laciutat.cat, Diario Dia, Línia Xarxa.

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