Storm Alice is coming: Spain’s first major autumn DANA to bring chaos

Spain is gearing up for its first major weather event of the autumn – and it already has a name.

Storm Alice, officially declared by Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), is set to bring torrential rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding across large parts of the country this week.

AEMET issues warnings as Storm Alice approaches

The AEMET confirmed on Tuesday, October 7, that Alice is the first high-impact DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) of the season. This atmospheric phenomenon, known for its unpredictable and often violent nature, will mainly affect the eastern regions of Spain and the Balearic Islands, where the heaviest rainfall is expected between Thursday, October 9 and Friday, October 10.

According to forecasts, some areas could see up to 100 litres of rain per square metre in just four hours, especially around Valencia, Alicante and Murcia. On the northern coast of Alicante, the southern coast of Valencia, and the islands of Ibiza and Formentera, rainfall could reach 40 litres per square metre in a single hour.

AEMET has warned that Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia and the Murcia region will also face intense showers and storms, particularly in the easternmost areas. The agency is urging residents to take precautions and stay up to date with alerts published in real time through AEMET’s website and mobile app.

“We recommend people exercise caution and check official updates regularly,” AEMET said in a statement. “This DANA will bring heavy and persistent rain, which could cause flooding in some areas.”

Why AEMET is now naming DANAs like Alice

This week’s announcement marks the first time a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) in Spain has been given a name – part of a new initiative by AEMET to make communication clearer when severe weather events are expected.

For years, the term DANA has caused confusion among the public, as not all such systems result in catastrophic weather. By giving a name only to those with significant potential impact, AEMET hopes to make it easier for people to understand when a DANA poses a genuine threat.

A DANA refers to a complex upper-atmospheric depression, detached from the main flow of air, which can unleash intense downpours, thunderstorms and even hail. These systems are notoriously difficult to predict, as their severity depends heavily on local conditions such as humidity, temperature and sea currents.

While some DANAs pass unnoticed, others – like Alice – can lead to serious flooding, travel disruptions and property damage. That’s why only high-impact DANAs will now receive names, in the same way storms are named to help the public and media communicate more effectively about weather risks.

Storm Alice named under European system

Alice is the first DANA to be officially named under the Southwest European Storm Naming Group, a collaborative programme involving Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Andorra. The group maintains a pre-approved list of names to be assigned to significant weather events affecting the region.

AEMET said naming systems like this one not only help improve awareness, but also make it easier to track the evolution of storms across borders.

The arrival of Alice marks the start of a potentially active storm season in Spain. Autumn is typically a period when DANAs are most frequent, as warmer Mediterranean air meets cooler air masses from the Atlantic. This mix can create unstable atmospheric conditions, triggering episodes of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly along the east coast.

Local authorities are already preparing for possible disruptions to transport and outdoor activities later this week. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to avoid driving during heavy downpours and to secure outdoor furniture or objects that could be swept away by the wind or water.

A season just beginning

While Alice is the first named DANA of the season, it likely won’t be the last. AEMET expects more similar systems in the coming months, as Spain transitions fully into autumn. The agency continues to stress that not every DANA will be dangerous, but those with a clear potential for disruption will now be clearly identified and tracked.

For now, all eyes are on Alice – and the skies above.

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