WILD weather has left holidaymakers and locals running for cover as torrential rain continues to smash popular Brit holiday spots.
Spain has been battered by torrential rain and flash flooding over the last 24 hours, as nature’s full force continues to cause widespread chaos.
Spain continues to be blasted by torrential rain and strong windsSolarpix
Locals and tourists have been urged to stay home where they canSolarpix
The rain has shown no signs of slowing down with a further 90mm expected todaySolarpix
The deluge has left people running for their lives in Valencia, as a massive storm hit a shopping centre yesterday afternoon.
A worker was seen taking a video of a palm tree breaking under the gale force winds in Alicante.
The brutal weather has come after Severe Weather Europe warned of “extremely high rainfall” in three zones across the north-central Mediterranean region.
The forecaster even warned of possible tornadoes along Italy‘s western coasts.
Much of Spain‘s Alicante region was placed on orange and yellow alerts on Monday for extreme rainfall and strong winds.
A red alert was also issued for the southern coastal and pre-coastal areas of Tarragona on Monday for torrential rain.
The rain has shown no signs of slowing down, as a further 90mm is expected to fall in just an hour today.
Such heavy rains spark the risk of flash flooding and sudden river surges.
The storms have continued to delay travellers across Spain, as dozens of flights in and out of Majorca were delayed or cancelled.
In Palma, at least 79 flights have been cancelled, with numerous delays and nine flights diverted to other destinations.
Ibiza has reported 20 cancellations and two diversions while Menorca – initially safe from the storms – began experiencing delays on Tuesday evening.
The storm has also caused power outages in Capdella, and damage to telephone lines in Malgrats.
The official meteorological department, AEMET, have warned of continued instability.
Strong showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout Wednesday.
Emergency services remain on high alert as the islands brace for further impacts from the ongoing storm.
In Palma, after emergency services received more than 48 calls before 10am on Tuesday, a further 20 occurred overnight.
A man has been caught swimming in the flood waters as torrential rain continuesSolarpix
SolarpixTrees have been left uprooted by the strong winds[/caption]
90mm of rain is expected to fall in one hour on Wednesday, risking flash flooding and moreSolarpix
Winds continued to reach between 56mph and 60mph and locals are still being urged to stay home.
In a statement released on Monday, the Balearic government urged the public to “exercise extreme caution”.
A spokesperson assured the public “the situation is being monitored continuously and all necessary preventative measures are being coordinated”.
“If you must drive, the … directorate general of the government asks you to moderate your speed, increase your safety distance and use motorways, dual carriageways and main roads,” a statement read.
“In case of low visibility, it is recommended to stop the vehicle and signal your position.”
People were also urged “not to enter flood-prone areas”.
The rain hasn’t stopped people enjoying local cuisineSolarpix
Locals and tourists have been urged to stay home where they can as rain continuesSolarpix
“Even if there appears to be little water – even at low heights, vehicles float and can be easily swept away,” they said.
“If your car starts to float and is swept away, get out immediately.
“If that is not possible through the door, use the window.”
Motorists were told to “abandon vehicles and move to higher ground” if they enter a flood water area, as well as being urged to have fully charged phones and enough fuel in the vehicles.
“Do not park on bridges, pavements or river mouths,” the statement concluded.
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