Red Alert Remains in Force

Barcelona remains under a red meteorological alert as Meteocat forecasts torrential downpours of over 40 litres per square metre in just 30 minutes. The warning, issued for Barcelonès, Baix Llobregat, Maresme, Garraf, and both Vallès counties, remains active until at least Tuesday morning 20th October 2026. The heaviest rainfall is expected this afternoon, with accumulations potentially exceeding 100 litres per square metre in 24 hours across the metropolitan area. According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), conditions could lead to rapid water accumulation in streets, basements, underpasses, and ground floors.

INUNCAT Emergency Plan Active

The Pla especial d'emergències per inundacions de Catalunya (INUNCAT), managed by the Generalitat’s Direcció General de Protecció Civil, remains in the alert phase. The plan coordinates emergency responses across public administrations and private entities to manage flood risks. As of Monday 19th October, the INUNCAT alert was extended due to persistent heavy rain affecting much of Catalonia. The official repository of the Department of Interior and Public Security confirms the plan’s current activation status for 2026.

Transport and Drills Suspended

Protecció Civil has cancelled today’s scheduled chemical risk siren drill, originally set for 10:00 AM, to avoid confusion among residents during the ongoing weather emergency. Authorities urge the public not to travel unnecessarily, particularly near streams, ravines, or low-lying areas prone to flash flooding. Significant disruptions to road traffic and public transport are expected during peak downpours. Residents in vulnerable areas, including Nou Barris and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, are advised to remain indoors.

“Caurà molta pluja,”

, Sarai Sarroca, director of Meteocat, warned during a press briefing, stressing that some areas could see more than 200 litres per square metre within six hours.

What Residents Should Do

  • Avoid all non-essential travel, especially during peak rainfall hours.
  • Do not approach or cross streams, ravines, or flooded areas, even if they appear calm.
  • Stay out of underground garages and storage rooms at risk of flooding.
  • If water enters your home, move immediately to upper floors.
  • Call 112 only in genuine emergencies to prevent overloading emergency lines.

Further details on the INUNCAT emergency plan are available at dsp.interior.gencat.cat.

Primary sources: dsp.interior.gencat.cat. Reported by barcelonasecreta.com, democrata.es, rac1.cat, fogarsdelaselva.cat, en.ara.cat, diaricatalunya.cat, alella.cat, teia.cat, noticies.hiha.cat, apdnoticies.com, Barcelona Secreta.