Violent storms accompanied by heavy rain occur in Spain

Streets turned into raging rivers, and a high-speed train even derailed, RTVE television and other media reported. There were no injuries initially, but the truck driver is missing in Valencia. The situation was particularly bad in the Mediterranean regions of Andalusia, Murcia and Valencia, which are very popular among holidaymakers.

In many places, streets, houses and fields were flooded. Farmers in particular reported severe damage. The storm was accompanied by heavy rain, but also partly with hail and gusts reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, the Emmett weather service announced. In about twelve hours, up to 180 liters of water fell from the sky in some areas. In nine of the country's 17 autonomous regions, level three (yellow), two (orange) or one (red) severe weather warnings were in effect until at least the evening.

The floods washed away cars

Videos published by the media and the Internet show how the water washed away vehicles and trees like toys. In the Andalusian coastal town of El Ejido, not far from Almería, where hail fell particularly cold on Tuesday night, fields and hundreds of vehicles were severely damaged. “The hailstones were the size of golf balls,” farmer Mercedes Gonzalez (46 years old) told El Pais newspaper. “It seemed like the end of the world.”

In many places in southern and eastern Spain, highways and country roads had to be closed. Air and railway traffic was also affected. Classes were canceled in many schools and universities. Due to a rockslide, a high-speed AVE train traveling from Malaga to Madrid with 291 passengers derailed near the municipality of Alora shortly after the start of the journey. Spanish railway company Renfe said there were no casualties.

Mallorca was also affected

The storm with heavy rains had already hit Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands on Monday. The situation there has now calmed down again, although a yellow severe weather warning remains in force in some areas, including Mallorca. According to Emmett, the situation across Spain will not fully improve again until Thursday.