Feared red alerts have been issued along Spain’s Mediterranean coast as DANA Adam threatens exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Aemet has issued the most serious alerts for the southern coast of Valencia province and the northern coast of Alicante province, warning of extraordinary danger.
The alerts run from 10am until 11.59pm on Sunday, October 18, with rainfall forecast to reach 200 litres per square metre in 12 hours.
The agency says some locations will probably receive 300 litres per square metre over 24 hours.
The upgrade marks a significant escalation in the warnings for the approaching storm.
Both coastal warning zones will already be under orange alerts from midnight, with 150 litres per square metre forecast over 12 hours before the red warning takes effect.
A separate orange warning for rainfall of 60 litres per square metre in an hour covers the whole of Sunday in both areas.
The red alerts apply to specific coastal zones, rather than the entirety of Valencia and Alicante provinces.
The sheer volume of rain could overwhelm drainage systems and cause dangerous flooding, with particular concern around low-lying areas, ravines and normally dry watercourses.
Adam is expected to bring its most adverse conditions on Sunday and Monday, with other parts of the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands also facing heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Spain’s Interior Ministry has urged residents to clear drains, remove loose outdoor objects and move important documents and hazardous products away from potential floodwater.
Civil Protection advises people never to cross flooded roads on foot or by car, and not to attempt to rescue vehicles during a flood.
Residents should monitor updated Aemet warnings and follow instructions from local emergency services.
