A cut-off low accompanied by a surface low between Spain and Morocco triggered widespread thunderstorms mainly over southern and eastern parts of Spain during Tuesday 29/10 that caused severe flash floods.

Mud-coloured waters swept cars through main streets, disrupted rail, air services and communications, with several people reported missing and at least 51 dead. There are fears that the death toll could rise.

According to Spain’s state weather agency (AEMET), up to 491.2mm of rain have been recorded in the city of Chiva west of Valencia within 8 hours, with hourly records reaching up to 160mm in an hour. In some areas, more than a month’s rain fell in a single day, while a red warning was in place for the Valencia region and an orange warning in parts of Andalusia.

Rainfall warnings have also been issued for today over southern and northern/northeastern parts of Spain from AEMET. Although warnings have been issued, rainfall is not expected to be as destructive and heavy as yesterday, but will still pose a threat for localised flash floodings.

Even though this rainfall event has brought deaths and widespread destruction in certain areas, it has also brought drought relief since Spain has been experiencing prolonged dry conditions the last years.

The cut-off low will gradually move westwards towards the Atlantic, with drier conditions expected over the Iberian Peninsula later this week.