Travel chaos: Historic floods hit Valencia region as storms threaten Malaga

Holidaymakers and residents face further travel disruption on Monday, October 19, as historic rainfall floods parts of eastern Spain, airport problems continue in the Balearic Islands and thunderstorms threaten Malaga Province.

The Girona River has burst its banks in the Marina Alta area of Alicante Province, with dramatic footage showing floodwater rushing through affected communities. The Valencian Association of Meteorology (AVAMET) has reported rainfall totals of more than 700 litres per square metre in parts of the region, as DANA Adam continues to bring torrential rain.

Meanwhile, passengers travelling through Ibiza and Mallorca face possible knock-on delays after Sunday’s airport disruption caused by Storm Adam. Malaga Province is also under yellow weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms, with hail possible in some areas.

Marina Alta floods as rainfall tops 70cm

Me manda mi amigo Ernest Parra estas imágenes de Oliva

Tened cuidado https://t.co/Rm0laVXq2T

— Carlos Aimeur Urios (@CarlosAimeur) October 19, 2026

The situation in the Marina Alta has deteriorated as the Girona River overflowed, flooding areas around Els Poblets and other nearby areas. Footage shared by AVAMET shows the Girona River at Beniarbeig, while other circulating images from Els Poblets show the force of the floodwater. Reports from the area also describe vehicles being swept away.

AVAMET reported that Forna, in the municipality of l’Atzúbia, had recorded 702mm of rain by 7.35am on Monday. Of that total, 266mm fell on Sunday and a further 436mm had fallen since midnight. Other locations across the Marina Alta and La Safor have recorded totals approaching 600mm to 700mm in 24 hours, according to the association’s latest rainfall updates.

Authorities have urged residents in the worst-affected areas to stay at home, avoid unnecessary journeys and move to higher ground where necessary. The emergency response has included rescues and the evacuation of two campsites, while the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been deployed to assist local services.

The Generalitat Valenciana has also issued emergency alerts warning people to keep away from rivers, ravines, flood-prone areas and underground car parks. Residents can check the latest AEMET weather warnings before travelling.

⛈️ La precipitación de encuentra en estos momentos afectando a varias zonas de la Marina Alta como Pego, Els Poblets, El Verger y Denia 🔴

📝 Se recomienda seguir la información y actualización del evento meteorológico a través de las fuentes oficiales 📶

#FMA #Meteo #DanaAdam https://t.co/llR6XqFT6x

— VOST Comunitat Valenciana (@VOSTcvalenciana) October 18, 2026

Ibiza and Mallorca flights face further disruption

Air travel in the Balearic Islands was badly affected on Sunday as torrential rain disrupted operations at Ibiza and Palma airports. According to figures reported by Europa Press, the two airports recorded a combined 64 flight cancellations and 16 diversions during Sunday’s weather disruption.

Arriben dades escandaloses del País Valencià. Entre la Safor i la Marina Alta s’acumulen fins a 300-400 l/m² tan sols des d’aquesta mitjanit, i fins a 600-700 l/m² en les últimes 24 h.

Situació complicada. Continua plovent, amb un flux de vents mediterrani que alimenta la pluja. https://t.co/HQvg0tT6PY

— Seguim la Méteo (@SeguimlaMeteo) October 19, 2026

Ibiza Airport had to suspend operations twice, between 10am and 11am and again between 11.15am and 12.15pm, while crews dealt with accumulated water. Water also entered parts of the terminal, including the check-in area, and access routes were affected. Although airport operations subsequently resumed, passengers could still face knock-on disruption as airlines work through the effects of cancelled and diverted services.

Mallorca also remains vulnerable to further heavy showers. AEMET downgraded the island’s red rain warning to orange during the early hours of Monday, with a further reduction to yellow expected around midday.

Forecast totals could still reach 50mm in one hour and 160mm over 12 hours in affected areas. The easing of the warning does not mean the risk of flooding has disappeared. The Balearic government has also announced school closures across Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera as a precaution.

Passengers should check directly with their airline and Aena’s live flight information service before leaving for the airport, particularly if they have connecting flights or onward travel arrangements.

Valencia still on red alert for more heavy rain

The Valencian Community continues to face dangerous conditions, particularly in the southern coastal areas of Valencia Province and northern Alicante. The exceptionally high rainfall totals have left rivers and ravines swollen, roads flooded and emergency crews responding to calls for help. The risk remains particularly serious in areas where the ground is already saturated and further downpours could cause sudden rises in water levels.

‼️ Desbordament del Riu Girona a la comarca alacantina de la Marina Alta.

#Projecte4Estacions https://t.co/MMKTa1zzCT

— Projecte 4 Estacions (@P4Estacions) October 19, 2026

This latest flooding follows Spain’s red weather alert for Valencia and Alicante, issued as DANA Adam brought the risk of exceptionally heavy rainfall to the Mediterranean coast. Although the intensity and location of the rain may change during Monday, travellers should not assume that roads are passable or that local transport is operating normally.

Anyone staying in the Marina Alta or La Safor should follow municipal instructions and avoid travelling through affected areas unless emergency services say it is safe.

Malaga Province warned of thunderstorms

The unsettled weather is also expected to affect southern Spain, with AEMET issuing yellow warnings for rain and thunderstorms across Malaga Province on Monday. Rainfall could reach 15mm in one hour in many areas, rising to 20mm in parts of Antequera. Storms could bring hail to Malaga city, the Costa del Sol, the Guadalhorce Valley and the Ronda area. The warnings follow heavy downpours over the weekend, when parts of Malaga Province experienced flooding and water entered streets and buildings. Residents can monitor the latest official weather warnings for Andalucia.

Residents and holidaymakers should be prepared for sudden heavy showers, particularly when travelling by road. Those heading to Malaga Airport should check their flight status before setting off and allow extra time if local roads are affected. With severe weather affecting several parts of Spain, passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline and consult Aena’s official flight information before travelling. Airlines should provide information about cancellations, rebooking and passenger assistance where applicable. Travellers should also keep receipts for reasonable expenses if their journey is disrupted.

Tormentas frente a #estepona https://t.co/1BMgxJntVe

— Meteo Estepona (@Wito1978) October 19, 2026

Above all, avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive or walk through moving floodwater. In areas under emergency alerts, follow instructions from local authorities and call 112 if immediate assistance is needed.