Over 180mm of rain has fallen in twelve hours, according to state meteorological agency AEMET. It said: ‘Caution! Extraordinary danger. There may be flooding and sudden rises in waterways.’
The Spanish island was placed under a red warning for rain at 11.00am local time, the maximum alert level, with heavy rainfall is expected until 4pm local time.
It also implemented a yellow alert for thunderstorms, from 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Mallorca is also at risk of flooding and has been placed under a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms.
Local newspaper Periodico di Ibiza has described it as a “complete meltdown”.
Major roads including the E10 and E20 have been closed. Firefighters have been deployed to rescue people who may be trapped inside their vehicles and homes, according to local authorities.
Here’s everything we know so far about the floods:
What advice have people in Ibiza been given?
A mobile warning alert advised people across the island about the floods.
Locals have been warned to avoid travelling and outdoor activities. They have also been urged to avoid flood-prone areas such as basements and move to higher ground if water enters their homes.
Parents were advised not to collect their children from school until the water levels dropped.
How is international travel affected?
Flights headed for Ibiza had to be diverted this morning, however the airport is still in operation.
Ibiza Airport has cautioned passengers to check with their airline before arriving at the airport.
The website says: “ADVERSE WEATHER: AEMET red warning for adverse weather. If you are planning to fly to/from Ibiza Airport, please check with your airline about the status of your flight.”
The floods are believed to be caused by the remnants of Hurricane Gabrielle, which swept across the Atlantic.
Scientists have previously said that climate change has made Spanish floods more extreme. “No doubt about it, these explosive downpours were intensified by climate change,” Dr Friederike Otto, senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, told The BBC.
“With every fraction of a degree of fossil fuel warming, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier bursts of rainfall.”
Could the UK be affected?
It’s possible. As tropical cyclones sweep towards the UK, heavy rain may be on its way towards the end of the week.
Yellow warnings for rain have been put in place for next three days in western Scotland, but the weather could become more extreme later in the week, according to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Bulmer.
He said: “The situation becomes more complex later in the week as tropical cyclones Humberto and Imelda, currently over the southwest Atlantic, influence our weather, increasing the risk of a deep low developing near the UK.”
“If this materialises, we could see some very strong winds as well as further heavy rainfall Friday into Saturday, but at this time the development and track of this system remains uncertain. We’re monitoring this closely.”
