Dozens of beaches across Alicante province have been closed as authorities warn of dangerous thunderstorms, hail and violent winds expected to strike southeastern Spain on Thursday.
Local councils in Orihuela, Alicante and Guardamar del Segura have confirmed they will raise the red flag and ban swimming from 5pm on Thursday, with at least 27 beaches affected.
The closures come as state weather agency Aemet has issued red alerts for extreme heat across much of Alicante province.
Forecasters also warn of severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail, torrential rain and powerful downbursts – sudden bursts of wind that can arrive with little warning.
Councils are urging residents and tourists to leave beaches before the weather deteriorates and remove parasols, gazebos, sunbeds and any loose objects that could become airborne.
Orihuela closes entire coastline
Orihuela will ban swimming along its entire coastline from 5pm, affecting some of the Costa Blanca’s busiest beaches.
The order covers Punta Prima, Cala Mosca, Cala Estaca, Cala Bosque, Cala Capitan, Cala Cerrada, La Caleta, the coves of Aguamarina, La Glea, Barranco Rubio and Mil Palmeras.
Lifeguards have been instructed to prevent anyone from entering the water while the red flag remains in force.
Alicante city shuts all beaches
The city of Alicante will also raise the red flag across every beach under its jurisdiction from 5pm.
The closure affects Postiguet, San Juan, Urbanova-El Saladar, Aguamarga, Almadraba, Albufereta, the coves of Cabo de la Huerta and the swimming areas on Tabarca Island.
Officials are urging beachgoers to pack up and leave before the worst of the weather arrives.
Guardamar warns of dangerous ‘heat downburst’
Guardamar del Segura has issued one of the strongest warnings, saying conditions could produce a thermal downburst – a sudden column of sinking air capable of generating extremely powerful wind gusts within minutes.
Authorities say the phenomenon can develop even when conditions initially appear calm, leaving little time for people on beaches to react.
The warning applies to Los Tusales, Los Vivers, Babilonia, Centro Beach, La Roqueta, Moncayo, Campo and Les Ortigues.
Residents and tourists have been told not to wait until the storm arrives before leaving.
More closures possible
The councils of Torrevieja and Santa Pola are also monitoring the forecast and could close their beaches later today if the severe weather develops as expected.
Both municipalities have advised visitors to remove umbrellas and other loose belongings in advance and to follow instructions from lifeguards and emergency services.
The combination of extreme heat, thunderstorms, large hail and sudden violent winds has prompted authorities to urge people to avoid unnecessary risks and stay away from the coast during the most dangerous part of the afternoon.
