Eastern Spain faces a severe flooding threat as a Dana weather pattern brings forecast rainfall of 100-300mm across the region over coming days, the Guardian reports.
The Dana occurs when cold upper air moves over warm, humid Mediterranean surface air, fuelling violent, slow-moving thunderstorms near Spain's east coast. The pattern occurs most often in autumn.
Valencia and Castelló de la Plana face the highest risk. Models show more than 100mm of rain could fall on Friday, with 200-300mm possible in some areas. Valencia has experienced several damaging floods in recent years.
Authorities have begun precautionary measures. Catalonia has placed three towns under lockdown. Valencia has shut schools for nearly half a million children ahead of the expected downpours.
The source also notes that extreme downpours have brought landslides and deaths in Nepal, indicating the broader regional weather impact.