Catalonia suspends school for 2 million people as torrential rains trigger maximum alert

The government of Catalonia suspended educational, university, and outdoor sports activities between 07:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday across six counties: Baix Llobregat, Vallès Occidental, Garraf, Alt Penedès, and Baix Penedès. The restrictions affect roughly two million residents, with regional officials advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and work remotely. Civil Protection sent an Es-Alert notification to mobile phones across the impacted areas warning of violent weather, hail, and strong wind gusts.

Meteorological agency Meteocat declared a maximum danger rating of six out of six for the region. Early morning storm bands brought fast-moving downpours to the western Pyrenees and central coastal areas, dropping 35 litres per square metre in Vilanova i la Geltrú and 50 litres per square metre in Sitges before shifting toward Vallès. Civil Protection director Imma Solé reported that no damage had been recorded in the initial hours of the storm.

In Barcelona, emergency services activated the Municipal Emergency Action Plan at the alert stage due to drainage failure risks. City officials advised residents to inspect roofs, drains, and lightning rods, bring pets indoors, secure outdoor furniture, and disconnect electrical appliances as heavy rain continues across the territory.