Red-Alert Weather Affects Central and Coastal Catalonia

Protecció Civil is urging residents in 20 Catalan comarcas to restrict all non-essential movement from 8pm on Saturday 3 October until noon on Sunday, following a red-level weather alert for exceptionally heavy rainfall and dangerous winds. The warning, issued by the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat), covers much of central and coastal Catalonia, including Baix Llobregat, Moianès, Barcelonès, Gironès, and Tarragonès. The alert follows forecasts of a potentially exceptional convective weather system, locally described as a possible "minihuracà mediterrani", capable of producing more than 200 litres of rain per square metre within six hours, alongside tornadoes or waterspouts and wind gusts exceeding 108 km/h in some areas, according to Meteocat’s prediction thresholds.

ES-Alert Sent to Mobile Devices

An ES-Alert was sent to mobile phones in the most affected regions during the afternoon to warn of imminent danger. Imma Solé, subdirector of Protecció Civil, advised suspending any activities involving public gatherings, outdoor events, or mobility. This includes sports, cultural events, leisure activities, open-air markets, fairs, and operations in flood-prone zones. Educational institutions, universities, university-affiliated research centres, and basic and specialised social services are also urged to suspend operations for the duration of the alert.

Now is not the time for outdoor activities or travel that isn’t essential," said Imma Solé during a press briefing.

Comarcas Under Maximum Danger Warning

The comarcas under red alert (maximum risk) are: Alt Empordà, Baix Empordà, Alt Penedès, Baix Llobregat, Barcelonès, Garraf, Garrotxa, Gironès, Pla de l’Estany, Vallès Occidental, Vallès Oriental, Maresme, Selva, Alt Camp, Baix Camp, Baix Penedès, Osona, Ripollès, Tarragonès, and Moianès. Meteocat’s data indicates that wind gusts above 108 km/h (30 m/s) are expected in Anoia, Alt Penedès, Bages, Baix Llobregat, Baix Penedès, Barcelonès, Garraf, Gironès, Lluçanès, Maresme, Moianès, Osona, Pla d’Urgell, Segarra, Segrià, Selva, Tarragonès, Urgell, Vallès Occidental, and Vallès Oriental under its meteorological risk assessment. Santi Segalà, head of forecasting at Meteocat, warned of rapidly deteriorating conditions, with violent weather phenomena such as hail larger than 2 cm, lightning, and waterspouts possible. The Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) has increased monitoring, anticipating flash floods in streams and minor watercourses.

Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas, and work remotely where possible. The full list of precautionary measures and real-time updates are available via the Meteocat Situació Meteorològica de Perill page.

Reported by regio7.cat, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya. Generalitat de Catalunya, es.ara.cat, ACN, elperiodico.com, Europa Press, Regió 7.