Flood Alert in Place for 24-Hour Rain Event

The Municipal Civil Protection Service of Castelldefels has kept the Municipal Action Plan for Floods (INUNCAT PAM) in the ALERT phase as a precaution against a prolonged rainfall episode expected from 08:00 on Monday 19th October until 08:00 on Tuesday 20th October. According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya, SMC), rain will fall continuously over this period, with intense precipitation anticipated between 14:00 and 02:00 on Monday.

The objective of the alert phase is to prepare municipal teams and services for potential impacts to anticipate the response and coordinate operational measures.

Weather Forecast and Risk Levels

The SMC has issued detailed risk assessments for the rainfall event. From 14:00 on Monday to 02:00 on Tuesday, there is a low probability (10%–30%) of precipitation exceeding 40 mm in 30 minutes (SMP 4/6), but a high probability (>70%) of exceeding 20 mm. Between 02:00 and 08:00 on Tuesday, there is a medium probability (30%–70%) of more than 60 mm but less than 90 mm of rain falling within three hours (SMP 2/6). Over the full 24-hour period, the accumulated rainfall is expected to exceed 100 mm but remain below 200 mm, with a medium probability. Current hourly forecasts from Meteocat show significant precipitation already accumulating through the morning of Monday 19th, with 5.6 mm recorded between 14:00 and 15:00. Rainfall is expected to continue through the evening and overnight.

Municipal Services on Standby

Local authorities are taking preventive action to mitigate flood risks. Infrastructure and maintenance teams are inspecting and cleaning critical drainage points, watershed heads, and sea outlets. Pumping stations, generators, hoses, and other emergency equipment are being tested and verified. The Local Police are preparing traffic diversions, access control measures, and checking the automatic barrier closure systems in underpasses to prevent vehicles from entering flooded areas. Social Services have readied reception and shelter resources in case evacuations or assistance become necessary.

Public Safety Advice

Residents are urged to take precautions:

  • Do not enter garages, basements, or flood-prone areas.
  • Close doors and windows, and disconnect electricity if water enters the home.
  • Keep a flashlight, radio, and charged mobile phone accessible.
  • Avoid crossing flooded streets, streams, or torrents.
  • Do not park vehicles in low-lying zones, near streams, or drains.
  • When driving, reduce speed and increase following distance; if water surrounds the vehicle, exit immediately and move to higher ground.
  • Avoid beaches, streams, and drainage areas during the storm.

Always follow instructions from emergency personnel. In case of emergency, call 112 immediately.

Reported by castelldefels.org, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya. Generalitat de Catalunya, elpregoner.cat, diaricatalunya.cat, castelldefelsaldia.com, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, Castelldefels.