Valencia and Alicante face red rain alert as schools close Monday

Spain's state weather agency Aemet maintains a red alert for extraordinary rainfall danger in Valencia and Alicante provinces and the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. Accumulations of up to 90 liters per square meter in one hour could cause flooding.

In the La Safor region, Real de Gandia recorded 208.2 liters per square meter by 12:30, while Rafelcofer measured 203.4. Other high readings include Benirredrà at 194.8 and Gandia-Marxuquera at 183.

“avoid travel; do not cross floodable areas even if they carry little water”

The Valencian government sent an Es-Alert emergency message to residents of southern Valencia and northern Alicante, urging them to avoid travel, stay away from rivers and coasts, and move to higher ground if water levels rise. A second orange alert was issued for northern Valencia and the southern interior.

Valencia city hall suspended outdoor activities and closed parks, gardens, cemeteries, and libraries. Classes are suspended Monday in ten Valencia municipalities, including Gandia, Oliva, and Alzira, plus El Verger in Alicante. Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca also suspend classes.

Both public universities in Valencia set Emergency Level 2 on Friday, closing campuses and suspending in-person cultural, sports, and social activities. The red alert remains active until 10:00 Monday.