A powerful storm swept through Tarragona on August 24, leading to significant flooding and emergency responses. Authorities are urging caution as more rain is expected overnight.
A severe storm hit the Tarragona region on August 24, resulting in heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding and disruption. The storm, which began in the late afternoon, brought over 60 liters of rain per square meter within just three hours, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
By 10 PM, Protección Civil had lifted its warning for the Baix Camp and Tarragonès areas after monitoring rainfall levels. However, they cautioned that additional rainfall could exceed 20 liters in just half an hour across northern regions of Catalonia, particularly affecting Catalunya Central and Girona.
The Bombers de la Generalitat responded to a staggering 162 calls related to the intense storms between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Most incidents involved fallen trees, minor floods, and downed power lines. In Tarragona city and surrounding towns like Alt Camp, heavy downpours led to significant water accumulation on major avenues.
The Agència Catalana de l’Aigua issued a hydrological risk alert for Baix Camp, advising residents to avoid rivers and streams due to rising water levels. Meanwhile, emergency services received a total of 373 calls, resulting in 259 reports, with approximately 70% originating from the Tarragonès area.
Despite the chaos caused by the storm, Imma Solé, deputy director of Protección Civil, reported no serious incidents so far. She emphasized that while the storms were intense in Camp de Tarragona, they had not yet resulted in any critical emergencies.
The storm’s impact extended beyond Tarragona as it moved towards Penedès and into Barcelona’s metropolitan area. In a statement via social media platform X, President Salvador Illa warned residents about ongoing severe weather conditions affecting these areas. He urged everyone to exercise extreme caution during travel and adhere strictly to emergency service guidelines.
This weather event is reminiscent of previous storms that have struck Catalonia over the past decade; however, this particular instance has been marked by rapid rainfall accumulation leading to immediate urban flooding challenges. Historical data indicates that similar storms have previously resulted in infrastructure damage costing millions in repairs.
The situation remains fluid as meteorologists predict continued precipitation throughout the night. Residents are advised to stay indoors if possible and avoid parking vehicles in flood-prone areas until conditions improve.
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