Nearly all of Spain’s provinces have been affected by severe flash floods. Over 200 emergency calls were made, hospitals evacuated, and even a Delta Flight was forced to turn around due to hail damage. What travelers need to know
As thousands of tourists continue their European getaways, summer vacationsEmergency responders in the United States are dealing with the aftermath a violent flash flood wave that has affected nearly half the country. 50 provinces. Reuters reported on the emergency services receiving more than 200 calls Related to flooding
Although the flooding occurred on Saturday, the severity of the weather is still causing concern. In videosCars are submerged and streets are unrecognisable.
Catalonia is located in the northeastern part of the country. two people are missing Search and rescue teams are in action. At the Penedès Regional Hospital, south west of Barcelona, 71 patients were evacuated and transported to other regional hospitals after Penedés lost electricity during the storms.
An incident that made international headlines has occurred. Delta flight departing Barcelona A plane that was heading to New York City in the chaos had to return after hail damage to the nose.
On July 12, Spain’s weather agency AEMET issued warnings for Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona, and Castellón. Barcelona is one of summer’s most popular destinations. most popular travel destinations—and therefore one suffering the most from overtourism—more than six inches of rain fell in less than three hours.
On Saturday, the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez spoke to X to state that his office was closely watching the situation and urged people to exercise extreme caution in affected areas. “Follow the civil protection instructions and do not travel,” said the statement said. “Please use extreme caution.”
The flooding this summer is especially alarming after the deadly flooding in Spain that occurred in 2024. The country was hit by the flooding in October last year. deadliest floods in decades in Valencia. In the disaster, more than 200 people died and thousands were forced to leave their homes and businesses. In March 2025 three weeks of heavy Rain caused more flooding and destruction.
The same weather pattern which caused flooding 2024 caused the recent flooding. According to Reuters, Spain named the phenomenon the acronym DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), which translates to isolated depression at high levels. Cold air and hot wind combine to form powerful storms that are not part of the jet stream. Scientists believe that these unpredictable and destructive storms may be caused by the interaction of hot air with cold air. linked to climate change.
Due to the increasingly volatile weather conditions in the region, travelers are advised to closely monitor their weather before and while on their trips. Spain’s AEMET website has a dedicated page to weather warningsUse your weather app to check the U.S. Embassy website Weather warnings are updated regularly, as well as other safety advice.
Research any potential safety concerns before traveling to an area that was recently affected by flooding. Resources may also be scarce in the aftermath.
