Severe storms battered Spain’s Costa Blanca, with torrential rain and flash flooding turning streets into rivers in popular destinations including Alicante and Benidorm. The weather caused cars to become stranded, businesses to flood and debris to be swept into roads, highlighting continuing risks for residents and holidaymakers after a British man recently died in flash floods near Barcelona.

Up to 50 litres of rain per square metre fell in parts of the coast within a few hours, accompanied by thunder, lightning and a waterspout near Dénia. Spain’s weather agency described the storms as highly localised but exceptionally intense; an orange alert was later withdrawn, while yellow warnings remained in parts of southeastern Spain. The storms also caused disruption across Catalonia and Valencia, with authorities warning of further severe weather and urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.