AT LEAST a dozen cars have become trapped in flash floods in the province of Castellón and their occupants needed rescuing, firefighters report.
Torrential rain and electric storms have hit parts of mainland Spain, especially the east coast, breaking the humidity and lowering the temperature.
In the southern part of the province of Castellón, just above that of Valencia, downpours have been particularly extreme in the last 24 hours with cars washed away in Moncofa and the road between Almassora and Vila-real.
All drivers and passengers have been safely evacuated, but a number of roads have been blocked by floods.
They include the main N-340 highway at the north entrance to Castellón city at the La Magdalena end, where authorities recommend diverting via the CV-149 along the Castellón-Benicàssim stretch.
A dry riverbed – the Barranco del Sol - has filled up and burst its banks in the city, forcing the council to close the adjoining road.
Up to 40 litres of rain per square metre (four centimetres, or just under two inches) fell in the southern half of the province within a matter of hours, and the Met office issued an 'orange alert' this morning.
Further south, in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante, electric storms have led to beaches being closed altogether or at least the red 'danger' flag being hoisted, and all sailing boats grounded – particularly in the district capital towns of Dénia (Marina Alta) and Gandia (La Safor).
Thunder, lightning and heavy rain is expected to continue for at least the next 24 hours along the Mediterranean, where the mercury has dropped to the high 20s.
Clear skies, sunshine and temperatures of over 30ºC are forecast again from Monday onwards.
Photograph by the Castellón provincial government, or Diputación de Castellón
