Maximum alert in Catalonia due to torrential rains

The Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (SMC) has issued an alert for “maximum danger” (5 out of 6) due to very intense rains (more than 200 l/m2 in just 24 hours) in ten regions starting at 6 p.m. this afternoon and until midnight at midnight. The regions are Alt and Baix Empordà, Garrotxa, Pla de l'Estany, Gironès, Vallès Oriental and Occidental, La Selva, Maresme and Baix Llobregat. The Aemet also warns of “extraordinary danger” for the provinces of Barcelona and Girona.

Specifically, the possibility of precipitation that accumulates more than 40 l/m2 in 30 minutes is maximum, 6 out of 6, while the accumulation of rain of 90 mm in 3 hours is also at maximum levels, 5 out of 6.

The SMC warns that the showers will be accompanied locally by storms and that violent weather phenomena will be possible: very strong gusts of wind, sea waves and tornadoes.

At the same time, it predicts a high danger due to intense rains in seven other regions: Ripollès, Osona, Alt and Baix Penedès, Alt and Baix Camp and Tarragonès.

For its part, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issues identical warnings as the SMC. It warns of torrential rains in the areas of Barcelona and Girona where, starting this afternoon, 90 l/m2 in one hour and 200 l/m2 in less than six hours can be exceeded.

Warns of a very adverse situation (extraordinary danger) on Saturday night and the first half of Sunday with possible flooding and floods.