The Generalitat of Catalonia has activated a flood risk alert in the Barcelona metropolitan area, with Badalona the most affected by rainfall exceeding 100 liters per square meter. Heavy rains have flooded streets, damaged the Màgic shopping center, and caused disruptions to metro and roads. Authorities urge extreme caution and avoiding unnecessary travel.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, an episode of intense rains hit the Catalan coast, with Badalona bearing the brunt of the storm. The Meteorological Service of Catalonia issued a warning for showers accumulating over 100 liters per square meter in 24 hours, exceeding initial forecasts. Civil Protection of the Generalitat activated the alert phase of the Inuncat plan due to flood risks, particularly in the northern part of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
From early afternoon, the precipitation caused numerous incidents. In Badalona, 300 of the 511 total alerts in Catalonia were recorded, accounting for 72% of those in the Barcelonès. Coastal streets flooded due to the sewer system's overload, worsened by accumulated leaf litter. The Màgic shopping center suffered damage with broken windows and direct leaks from a collapsed roof. Additionally, an apartment in the Llefià neighborhood was evacuated due to a false ceiling collapse, though the affected residents received social services attention and hotel accommodation.
Transportation was severely disrupted. Gorg station on the L2 metro line closed due to flooding, limiting service between Paral·lel and Artigues | Sant Adrià, without reaching Badalona Pompeu Fabra. There were issues on L2 and L3 lines, with leaks and cuts. On roads, the Ronda Litoral (B-10) was closed at Santa Coloma de Gramenet heading north due to water accumulation, and the Ronda de Dalt (B-20) at the Santa Coloma tunnel, though one lane reopened after 19:30. Rodalies lines R2 and R2Sud experienced delays over 20 minutes. Up to a thousand alerts were reported to 112 and firefighters for flooding, leaks, and fallen trees.
President Salvador Illa called to "exercise extreme caution" and avoid flood-prone areas. Badalona's mayor, Xavier García Albiol, advised against going out unless necessary and noted "collapse situations at many points." He criticized the lack of an ESAlert despite receiving a warning at 15:39. Civil Protection's deputy director, Sergio Delgado, described the phenomenon as "very erratic and unpredictable," with 120 liters per square meter in Badalona and ongoing power cuts being resolved. By 20:15, the front had moved south, but incidents persisted, and the Besòs River Park's emergency plan was activated. No personal injuries were reported, and authorities urged checking weather conditions before traveling.
