Severe flooding in eastern Spain, while UK hit by first named storm of winter

In eastern Spain, Storm Adam brought unprecedented rainfall to the region, with Pego, Alicante, receiving 632mm in just 36 hours. The Valencian town of Olivia recorded 600mm within 24 hours. The deluge led authorities to place 145 municipalities, home to approximately 850,000 people, under temporary lockdown on Monday due to severe flooding.

The extreme weather has resulted in at least five fatalities, with 500 people rescued and 2,100 evacuated. The Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza, have also been affected, with over 130 incidents recorded including standing water at the airport causing flight diversions and suspensions. While conditions are improving in Valencia and Alicante, local disruptions are expected to continue.

UK Storms

Meanwhile, the UK is experiencing its first named winter storm, Storm Austen, currently tracking through the Channel. The storm is bringing damaging winds of 50-60mph to south-west England, Wales, south-west Ireland, and northern France. Exposed north-western coasts of France could face winds of up to 80-90mph.

Following closely behind is Storm Boelo, expected to cross northern Scotland on Saturday into Sunday. This system will bring very unsettled conditions to the UK and Ireland, with damaging winds and prolonged heavy rain. Western Scotland will experience the strongest gusts, while the rest of the UK and Ireland will see 40-55mph winds. Western parts of Ireland could face 50-60mph winds, with up to 70-80mph in exposed areas.

Pacific Typhoon

In the Pacific, Super Typhoon Champi is heading toward China and Japan after passing north-eastern Taiwan. Though weakened since Wednesday, it remains a significant typhoon with category 5 hurricane-equivalent strength, producing 185mph gusts and sustained winds of 121 mph. Forecasters predict up to 900mm of rain in mountainous regions of northern and eastern Taiwan from Tuesday to Saturday, causing school closures, cancelled flights, and six-metre waves.