Ex-Hurricane GABRIELLE has reached the western Mediterranean and will bring heavy rainfall, particularly along the east coast of Spain and the Balearic Islands, until Tuesday evening.

The province of Valencia in particular is experiencing torrential rainfall of 200 to 300 litres per square metre, with peaks even higher. Fortunately, most of the rain is falling over the open sea. By way of comparison, the city of Valencia receives an average of around 480 litres over the course of a whole year.

The popular holiday islands of Ibiza and Mallorca will also experience turbulent weather. Severe thunderstorms could also bring heavy rainfall here.

On Sunday evening, severe weather struck the area around Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain. Flash floods swept away cars and caused devastating damage.

Late in the evening, the first rainfall reached the coastal city of Valencia: