The Spanish Army has been called into action this evening after red alerts for extreme rainfall were issued in Barcelona and Tarragona.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents to take extra caution and ‘avoid travel’ amid warnings of flooding.
He said military units are already collaborating with affected areas in the towns across the Ribera Alta del Ebro region.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has suspended all outdoor activities and closed its beaches and parks.
The City Council activated its Municipal Emergency Plan after state weather agency Aemet issued a red weather alert for the entire province.
The red warning is the most serious and means there is an ‘extraordinary risk’ to people’s safety.
Warning messages have been sent to mobile phones across the affected areas ahead of the deluge.
PM Sanchez said in a post on X: ‘Very attentive to the situation in several communities with warnings for heavy rain and storms.
‘Personnel from @UMEgob (Army) are already collaborating in municipalities of the Ribera Alta del Ebro.
‘Follow civil protection instructions and avoid travel. Take great caution.’
The emergency plan means the suspension of all planned outdoor activities in the city, including iconic venues such as the Tibidabo Amusement Park, the Barcelona Zoo and Park Güell.
Outdoor events during local festivals are also cancelled, and beach services are temporarily closed, with the red flag flying across the coast and lifeguards ordered to stand down.
The areas under alert include the whole of Barcelona province and parts of the interior of Tarragona.
According to Aemet, up to 180mm of rain could fall over a 12-hour period, with the red warning in place until at least 9pm.
The weather service has said that there is a possibility of flooding.
Barcelona City Council has ordered the closure of all public parks and ordered cleaning services to return to their bases due to the risk of water accumulation.
The City Council recommends checking roofs, downspouts, and drains to remove any obstructions, unplugging electrical appliances and removing outdoor furniture or objects that could be swept away by the water.
It is also advisable to keep pets safe, store toxic products out of the reach of water, and have fully charged cell phones, essential medications, warm clothing and personal identification on hand.
Regarding driving, it is recommended to moderate speed, brake smoothly, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid crossing flooded areas. If necessary, stop the vehicle and seek a safe place.
