The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) said the alert would remain in force through Monday and potentially into Tuesday, with the risk of torrential rain and flash flooding at its highest level. On Sunday afternoon, residents of Valencia received an emergency notification via the Civil Protection agency's ES-Alert system, urging caution and warning of "extreme danger."

Safety advice during red alerts

Authorities have urged the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid travelling on flooded roads, tunnels or low-lying streets, which can become deadly within seconds. During last year's devastating DANA storm in October 2024, similar conditions led to multiple fatalities when people attempted to drive through submerged areas.

Officials also stressed the importance of staying away from rivers, ravines and flood-prone land, as sudden surges of water from higher ground can overwhelm these areas with little warning. Residents in vulnerable locations are advised to move to upper floors of their homes or to safe high ground.

Ahead of the rains, households have been told to check drains, gutters and downpipes to reduce the risk of flooding, and to avoid leaving cars in flood-prone zones. Keeping evacuation routes clear and preparing a basic emergency kit are also recommended precautions.

Emergency services on high alert

In its emergency message, Civil Protection reminded residents to use mobile phones responsibly during the storm to prevent networks from becoming overloaded, ensuring emergency calls can get through. In case of urgent need, citizens are instructed to dial 112 and follow guidance from emergency teams.

Officials say the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in assessing the storm's impact across the region.