SPAIN has been battered by another wave of wild weather as freak hail storms turned streets into rivers and left holidaymakers in Benidorm soaked.
The latest lashing comes as a yellow weather alert was issued across parts of the country, warning of torrential rain and hail.
XSpain’s state weather agency, Aemet, issued alerts across several regions as the storms rolled in[/caption]
XBy Thursday evening, most alerts had been lifted, and forecasters expect calmer conditions from Friday[/caption]
AFPAuthorities have urged caution, particularly for travellers heading to affected areas[/caption]
ReutersPeople stand near a car that was swept away by the rain, in the Las Bachilleras ravine, in Telde, on the island of Gran Canaria[/caption]
EPAWorkers clear a street of flooded mud during clean-up operations on the Avenida de las Islas Canarias after heavy rains over the weekend in Costa Teguise[/caption]
The storms hit southern and southeastern Spain on Thursday, hammering regions including Almería, Murcia, Granada, and parts of the Costa Blanca – with the popular British hotspot of Benidorm right in the firing line.
In Librilla in Murcia, 37 litres of rain per square metre reportedly fell in just 30 minutes, sparking sudden flash floods.
Shocking videos shared on social media show water gushing down streets, hail pelting rooftops, and cars trying to navigate rising floodwaters.
Locals and tourists alike were caught off guard, with many dashing for shelter as the skies opened without warning.
Spain’s state weather agency, Aemet, issued alerts across several regions as the storms rolled in, warning of “potential hail” and advising people to remain indoors.
The sudden downpour followed days of unsettled spring weather, marking yet another chaotic chapter in what’s become one of the wettest Mays in recent memory.
Authorities have urged caution, particularly for travellers heading to affected areas.
Spain’s Civil Protection agency issued multiple warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, and storms, with guidance focused on popular destinations like Valencia, Almería, Majorca and Barcelona.
By Thursday evening, most alerts had been lifted, and forecasters expect calmer conditions from Friday, though isolated showers and storms may persist, especially inland and in the Balearic Islands.
Tourists are advised to monitor local forecasts and follow official advice.
Emergency services were deployed across multiple regions to respond to flooding, blocked roads, and waterlogged properties.
In some areas, storm drains overflowed within minutes, and local authorities struggled to respond to the volume of calls from residents and businesses affected by the flooding.
In Orihuela and Elche, hailstones the size of marbles were reported pounding windows, while footage from Almería showed cars half-submerged and people wading through knee-deep water.
The suddenness of the storms left little time to prepare, with many scrambling to protect homes and vehicles.
Lightning lit up skies across the southeast and east coast, prompting additional safety warnings.
Experts say the storms were intensified by a cold air mass colliding with warm, moist conditions over the Iberian Peninsula — a mix that often triggers sudden, violent weather outbreaks.
Meteorologists at Aemet warn that more unsettled weather may return early next week, especially in higher altitude and coastal areas.
While temperatures may rise slightly, unstable atmospheric conditions raise the risk of further showers and hailstorms.
Local businesses in tourist zones report a drop in foot traffic and last-minute cancellations.
Many bar and restaurant owners in Benidorm say fewer people are dining out as tourists opt to stay indoors.
Travel firms are monitoring the situation, with some advising customers to reconsider trips to the hardest-hit areas.
Flights have not seen major disruptions, but officials urge travellers to stay in contact with airlines as conditions can shift quickly.
Despite the chaos, authorities say flood management systems have improved in several urban areas — leaving them better prepared than in previous years.
ReutersTravel firms are also monitoring the situation, with some advising customers to review their plans if visiting the hardest-hit areas[/caption]
EPAThe suddenness of the storms left little time to prepare, with many left scrambling to protect homes and vehicles[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
