A heavy rain and thunderstorm is moving in over the east coast of Spain.

Red warnings have been issued in several places - and residents and tourists are urged to seek shelter when Storm Alice is expected to reach its peak on Friday.

The coming days are expected to be very wet along Spain'seast coast. The Spanish weather agency Aemet warns of storm Alice, which is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and the risk of flooding. 

The storm is a so-called Dana, a weather phenomenon that occurs on the Iberian Peninsula during autumn, when cold air flows in over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea and forms large rain clouds.

180 millimeters – in twelve hours

The worst-hit areas are expected to be Alicante and Murcia, where red warnings have been issued on Friday as the storm is expected to reach its peak. In some places, 180 millimeters of rain is expected to fall within 12 hours. 

In a message that has been sent to residents and tourists in the areas, they are urged to take precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, writes The Confidential. 

”"Avoid travel, do not cross flood-prone areas, and respect road closures. If you are in an area at risk of flooding, seek higher ground or move to an upper floor," the authorities write. 

People are also urged to avoid unnecessary phone calls.

Staff situation – schools closed

Murcia regional president Fernando López Miras has announced that all teaching and activities in schools will be cancelled on Friday. At the same time, Cartagena's city council has gone into emergency mode and decided to close public parks and other outdoor areas. 

The storm has already caused problems on Thursday, including disruptions to air traffic in Alicante. 

According to Spanish airport operator Aena, two flights have been canceled and seven others have been diverted to other airports. 

In Elche, the heavy rainfall has also led to flooded streets and extensive traffic problems.

Source: Expressen.se