IRISH tourists in or heading to Spain this week have been issued a stark warning after flash floods hit major holiday hot spots.
The Spanish Met Office issued a red warning for parts of Valencia last night as over 180mm hit the area.
They also warned of a strong risk of flooding, with videos emerging this morning of rivers bursting their banks and sweeping cars down busy streets.
A red warning is the highest level of alert and is only issued when there is “a serious risk” to life – with schools closed and people urged to seek high ground.
Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather issued a stark warning to tourists heading to the area this week to ensure they remain safe while travelling, saying that the rain is not ending just yet.
He said: “Spanish Met Service have issued red warning for parts of Valencia tonight with over 180mm possible and risk of flooding sadly again.
“Plenty more rain to hit Spain this week too.
“If you have friends or family in the red warning area make sure they are aware.”
Images and videos circulating social media have shown dangerous waters washing away cars and covering streets with piles of dirt and mud.
Yesterday, torrential rain battered Gran Canaria, Spain, causing flooding across the islands.
A sudden storm hit the Telde region, bringing the city to a standstill.
The popular holiday location has battled rising water levels that have dragged cars under bridges and across streets.
One terrifying video showed a vehicle being swept away into the sea at the Playa Salinetas Beach.
Flash flooding left a blanket of mud and dirt covering roads and pavements across Gran Canaria.
The storms could last until Wednesday on parts of the island chain, according to AEMET.
‘MONTOR ALERTS’ ADVICE
A notice on the Department of Foreign Affairs website has previously warned people flying into the destination from Ireland that Spain can experience extreme weather conditions.
It says: ” Spain can at times experience extreme weather conditions, including flooding, which can adversely affect travel plans.
“You can monitor information and alerts, including severe weather warnings, on the website of the Spanish Meteorological Agency, AEMET.
“Citizens are advised to check the latest weather information before they travel and to follow the advice of the local authorities.“
WORST-HIT AREAS
Now, the torrential rain has hit other holiday hot spots as areas such as Valencia, Tenerife, Alicante and Castellón de la Plana.
Areas along the east coast of Spain have all been hit with rainfall warnings, with the Malaga province being worst-hit.
Spain’s Aemet meteorological agency issued the red “serious risk” weather alert on Monday.
Forecasters warned that the most potentially dangerous situation could hit Ronda and Serrania, with up to 120mm predicted.
Due to the high levels of downpours, the local government Junta de Andalucía has stepped up its Peri flood risk plan.
This has previously been in a pre-emergency phase but has been advanced due to the flash flooding.
DEVASTATING SPAIN FLOODS
This comes just months after the devastating floods that killed more than 200 people in southern Spain.
Areas around major cities like Valencia and Marbella were ravaged by horrifying flash floods in October.
Valencia, on the eastern coast, was one of the regions hit hardest in the floods with towns like Turis and Utiel recording up to 200m of rainfall.
Over 1,000 soldiers were deployed to the areas worst affected to help with rescue efforts.
At the time, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “Our thoughts go out to those whose homes and possessions have been devastated and whose lives have been covered in mud.
“We are united and we will rebuild your streets and your squares and bridges. Spain will be with you.”
