Storm Alice Floods Eastern Spain, Disrupts Coastal Tourism

Storm Alice has battered Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, causing widespread flash floods, travel chaos, and major disruptions at tourist hubs such as Ibiza, Formentera, and Barcelona. Streets have been submerged, public transport halted, and flights canceled or diverted.

In many municipalities, drainage systems were overwhelmed by intense rainfall. In Ibiza, heavy rain left streets like Sant Josep and Santa Eulària underwater, and power outages were reported after lightning struck critical infrastructure. The airport saw multiple cancellations and diversions as travel operations struggled to keep up.

Authorities across affected regions declared emergency alerts. In the Valencian Community and Catalonia, the storm’s influence is extending inland, with expectations for additional rainfall and disruption. Local governments are mobilizing rescue and relief teams, closing off vulnerable roads and urging residents and tourists alike to stay indoors.

Tourists already in the region found themselves stranded. Several holidaymakers were forced to spend the night in shelters as train and bus services were suspended. Hotels and resorts scrambled to assist guests, altering check-in and check-out schedules and providing updates on safe routes.

Travel operators have warned prospective visitors to reconsider plans to eastern Spain or the Balearics until conditions stabilize. Many suggest postponing bookings, particularly for coastal or low-lying destinations, as cleanup and recovery efforts may take time.

For Spain’s tourism sector, the storm is a stark reminder of how vulnerable coastal destinations are to climate and weather extremes. Resilience and adaptation strategies—such as better drainage, flood forecasting, and emergency planning—are increasingly essential to protect both residents and visitors.