Civil Protection has activated the Inuncat plan due to the forecast of storms that could leave more than 20 litres per square metre in half an hour in Maresme and Vallès Oriental.
Civil Protection of the Generalitat of Catalonia has activated the alert of the Inuncat plan due to the forecast of heavy rains affecting several counties in the province of Barcelona this Sunday, July 26, especially Maresme and Vallès Oriental.
According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), there is a possibility of accumulating more than 20 litres per square metre in just 30 minutes, with precipitation that may be accompanied by storms and, occasionally, small hail.
The forecasts place Maresme and Vallès Oriental among the counties with the highest probability of experiencing the most intense episodes, alongside Selva in the province of Girona. The warning also affects, although with less intensity, Osona, as well as the Girona counties of Baix Empordà, Gironès, Pla de l'Estany, and Garrotxa.
In light of this instability episode, Civil Protection urges citizens to take extreme precautions, especially during road travel, coinciding with the weekend return to the metropolitan area of Barcelona.
It also reminds the importance of not approaching streams, ravines, rivers, or brooks, even if it does not appear to be raining, as sudden rises can occur and pose a serious risk to people.
For residents of Maresme and Vallès Oriental, authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during the peak storm intensity hours, expected between Sunday afternoon and night. They also advise securing items such as pots or awnings on balconies and terraces that could be displaced by wind or rain.
In the event of a thunderstorm, the safest option is to stay indoors in closed buildings and avoid using electrical devices connected to the grid. If driving, one should reduce speed and increase safety distance, as well as not crossing flooded areas.
The emergency phone number 112 is operational for any incidents related to the rains. Civil Protection reminds that the alert of the Inuncat plan will remain active as long as the meteorological risk persists.
The forecast indicates that the rains could continue into the early hours of Monday, although with less intensity. Meteocat meteorologists will continue to monitor the evolution of the storms and will update warnings if necessary.
This episode of heavy rains comes after a week of sweltering heat in the province of Barcelona, with temperatures exceeding 36 degrees in several inland areas. The thermal contrast could favour the formation of more virulent storms, according to experts.
