Majorca Prepares as Storm Alice Brings Chaos to Spain’s Coasts

Majorca is on high alert as Storm Alice approaches, threatening severe weather conditions across the island. The Spanish weather agency, AEMET, has issued an orange alert for the north and north-east regions, predicting heavy downpours that could lead to significant flooding. Local authorities are advising both residents and tourists to stay indoors as the storm is expected to unleash intense rainfall.

The storm has already made its presence known in other parts of Spain, particularly in Alicante, where rainfall has reached alarming levels. Forecasters warn that Majorca could experience up to 100 litres of rain over three to four hours, with areas like Alcudia and Pollensa potentially receiving as much as 40 litres in just one hour. The amber alert will remain in effect from 10:00 to 19:00, while yellow warnings will apply to the south and west from 04:00 until 05:00 on Sunday.

While the weather is expected to calm in southern regions on Sunday, conditions in northern areas are likely to remain unsettled until late afternoon. Up to 20 litres of rain could still fall before clearer skies return. As the storm intensifies, many residents have reported panic buying, particularly in supermarkets, where supplies of alcohol have been rapidly depleted.

Storm Alice has wreaked havoc along Spain’s southern coasts, with forecasts predicting up to 250 millimetres of rain over the weekend. Costa Blanca has faced flight cancellations and diversions as tourists find themselves stranded. Officials have warned of “extraordinary danger” from flash floods, prompting urgent evacuations in affected areas.

In Murcia, the situation escalated dramatically when a tornado struck Cartagena, leading to mass evacuations as residents faced severe flooding and strong winds. Over 60 individuals were evacuated, and the region has been under red alert since the previous day due to the storm’s violent impacts. Torrential rain has already caused significant disruption in Ibiza and Cartagena, and schools in the Levante region have suspended classes until the storm subsides.

Emergency services in Alicante reported carrying out 31 operations in a single day to clear debris from inundated roads. The storm has transformed familiar tourist areas into torrents of muddy water, with cars being swept away and roads submerged.

AEMET continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to exercise caution when venturing outside. With Storm Alice advancing through the Mediterranean, Majorca’s residents and visitors brace for what could be a challenging few days ahead as they confront the force of nature.