Red Alert for torrential rain in Southern Tarragona

Southern Tarragona is under red weather alert this evening after torrential rain caused severe flooding, prompting the Catalan Civil Protection agency to issue two ES-Alert emergency warnings to mobile phones across the Montsià region and nearby coastal areas from Alcanar to Salou.

Residents trapped due to flooding in Montsià

The intense downpour, part of Storm Alice, has left streets flooded and ravines overflowing in several towns, including Godall, La Ràpita, and Santa Bàrbara. Firefighters from the Generalitat’s emergency service confirmed that people were trapped in vehicles and underpasses, though, thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.

Cristina Vicente, head of operations at Civil Protection, urged residents to stay indoors and, “if possible, move to upper floors in case water enters their homes.” She warned that more rain is expected overnight.

Major transport disruption across Southern Tarragona

According to the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT), the AP-7 motorway between Freginals and Ulldecona remains closed in both directions due to flooding. Other affected roads include:

• C-12 in Tortosa (with detours in place)
• T-331 between Ulldecona and Santa Bàrbara
• TP-3311 between Santa Bàrbara and La Galera

Train travel has also been severely disrupted. Renfe suspended operations on the Barcelona–Valencia line along the Mediterranean Corridor, affecting more than 3,000 passengers and 17 trains. The R16 commuter line has been halted, with one train stranded in Ulldecona after tracks were submerged. Civil Protection has placed the Ferrocat plan on pre-alert.

ES-Alerts sent

At 4 pm, authorities sent an ES-Alert to residents in Montsià, urging them to avoid unnecessary movement. By 8 pm, a second alert extended the warning to Baix Ebre, Baix Camp, Ribera d’Ebre, and Tarragonès regions. The Aemet weather agency has issued a red alert until midnight, warning of up to 180 litres of rain per square metre in twelve hours.

President Salvador Illa called for “maximum caution”, urging residents to avoid travel and to follow official instructions, as he met with the Catalan Emergency Coordination Centre (CECAT) to assess the situation.

The 112 emergency line has received more than 600 calls, mainly reporting flooded homes, roads, and minor incidents. Local councils in affected areas have opened temporary shelters, and monitoring teams have been deployed along ravines and low-lying zones.

Southern Catalonia is home to a significant expat community, particularly in Alcanar, La Ràpita, and Tortosa, where many British and northern European residents live. With transport links cut and flood risks high, residents are advised to avoid travelling and monitor official updates.

The rain is expected to continue overnight, with authorities warning of potential flash flooding in low-lying and coastal areas. Clean-up and road reopening efforts will begin once the storm subsides.

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