Violent storms hit Catalonia and Valencia Region with hail and strong winds

Intense rainfall, strong winds, and hail have been recorded in several counties, with localized impacts and suspension of swimming at some beaches.

Generic image of storm clouds over a Mediterranean landscape.
IA

Generic image of storm clouds over a Mediterranean landscape.

Severe storms have affected the northeastern third of Catalonia and various areas of the Valencia Region, producing spectacular scenes of heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts up to 87 km/h.

The northeastern third of Catalonia has been the most affected area by the violent storms, with extreme danger alerts issued for Osona, Moianès, Gironès, and Pla de l'Estany. Moderate intensity persisted in the rest of the northeastern counties. Due to the electrical storm, swimming has been suspended at several beaches.
Meteocat reported that rainfall could reach 20 liters per square meter in half an hour. Weather stations recorded significant accumulations: 15.5 liters in Bonabé (Pallars Sobirà), 14.6 liters in La Seu d'Urgell (Alt Urgell), and 10 liters in La Pobla de Segur (Pallars Jussà).
Wind gusts were notable, reaching 87 km/h in Banyoles (Pla de l'Estany), 68.8 km/h at Pantà de Darnius (Alt Empordà), and 58.3 km/h in Organyà (Alt Urgell) and La Bisbal de l'Empordà (Baix Empordà). In Girona, winds reached 57.6 km/h.
In Besalú (la Garrotxa), where the alert was orange, strong winds and hail appeared around 3:00 PM. Social media users shared videos showing the storm's intensity, with strong winds and heavy hail.
Hail was a prominent feature in several areas. In Tona (Osona), very intense hailstorms were recorded. La Molina (Baixa Cerdanya) also experienced hail. In Bescanó (Gironès), the storm caused a drastic temperature drop and a power outage.
In the Valencia Region, rainfall was also heavy. According to Aemet, Castellfort (els Ports) recorded 96 liters per square meter, with an hourly intensity of 34.8 liters. This intense thunderstorm remains active in the area, accumulating 75 mm in just over an hour.
Other Valencian towns such as Catí, Xert, Portell de Morella, and La Iglesuela del Cid (Teruel) were also affected. In Ares del Maestrat (Alt Maestrat), characteristic storm clouds were visible.
In Sant Llorenç de Cerdans (Alt Vallespir), rain fell with great intensity, accompanied by a stationary storm over the town.