This is the moment fierce lightning storms rocked parts of eastern Andalucia overnight, with one bolt setting fire to a hillside in Jaen.
Meanwhile, in Almeria, an orange alert for torrential rain was issued by Aemet ahead of potentially dangerous downpours.
The fire was sparked on Cerro del Cuco in the Jaen municipality of Jodar, with firefighting service INFOCA expected to work on its extinction through the night.
The incident came as substantial amounts of rain were recorded across the province, particularly in its eastern areas.
Ubeda received more than 30 litres per square metre, while 27 litres were recorded in Puente de Genave, 26 in Sabiote, 25 in Torreperogil and 17 in La Carolina.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation on Wednesday evening as storms affected several municipalities.
Orange warning in Almeria
In Almeria province, the Junta de Andalucia activated the pre-emergency phase of its flood-risk emergency plan at 8.32pm on Wednesday.
The measure applies across the province, although authorities are particularly concerned about Levante Almeriense, where the most severe conditions are forecast overnight.
Aemet has issued an orange warning for heavy rain until 4am, with as much as 30 litres per square metre forecast to fall in just one hour.
Such intense rainfall could cause localised problems on roads, in ramblas – normally dry or low-flow watercourses susceptible to flash flooding – and in vulnerable urban areas.
Yellow warnings for thunderstorms are also in place across Levante Almeriense, as well as the Poniente and Almeria city areas.
The Junta’s decision to activate operational situation 0 of the flood emergency plan does not mean an emergency is already underway.
Instead, it places authorities on a heightened state of monitoring so civil protection bodies can respond quickly if conditions deteriorate.
Warning over flash floods
Emergency officials are urging people to take particular care on the roads overnight and to avoid unnecessary journeys during the heaviest rainfall.
Drivers have been told to reduce their speed, increase the distance between vehicles and never attempt to cross a flooded road or rambla.
Even apparently shallow floodwater can be powerful enough to sweep away a vehicle.
People in rural areas have also been warned to stay away from riverbeds, ramblas and low-lying areas, which can experience sudden rises in water levels even if they previously appeared completely dry.
During electrical storms, people caught outside are advised to seek shelter inside a building or enclosed vehicle and stay away from isolated trees, metal structures and exposed high ground.
