Malaga and Costa del Sol Ravaged by ‘Christmas Cyclone’, Red Weather Alerts and Severe Flooding Disrupt Travel Plans in Spain: Here’s to Know More About It

Published on December 29, 2025

Parts of Spain, especially in the southern regions, are facing significant disruptions due to severe weather. Red weather alerts have been issued by Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET in response to heavy rainfall that has caused flooding in areas such as Malaga and surrounding regions, including Valencia, Marbella, and the Costa del Sol. These regions have experienced some of the heaviest rainfall in recent years, resulting in widespread flooding that has affected both residents and tourists alike.

Red Weather Alerts and Flooding in Popular Tourist Destinations

The Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations, has been hit hard by the downpour. The heavy rain has led to flooding in Marbella, one of the most frequented areas along the coast, known for its luxury resorts and beaches. Murcia and Almeria have also been placed under red weather alerts, with emergency services on high alert as the storm continues to cause major disruptions in these areas. These regions are known for their Mediterranean climate, making such extreme weather conditions rare and particularly impactful.

With AEMET issuing these red alerts, the public has been advised to avoid non-essential travel, as conditions are expected to worsen. The weather system, which has been causing disruptions since the weekend, is expected to continue until at least Monday, with more rainfall forecasted for the coming days.

Tragic Losses and Ongoing Search Efforts

The heavy rains have already claimed one life. On Sunday, one of the two men who had gone missing during the floods in Malaga was found dead. The search for the second individual is ongoing, and emergency services continue to search for any other potential victims. As the floods surged through streets and overwhelmed drainage systems, several people were swept away, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate missing persons.

Authorities have stressed that anyone in or traveling to the affected areas should exercise extreme caution and stay updated on the latest weather warnings. Given the ongoing risks, the authorities have urged travelers to avoid the worst-hit areas and reconsider any travel plans to Malaga, Marbella, and surrounding locations until the situation stabilizes. Emergency teams have been mobilized to provide immediate assistance, including evacuations and rescue efforts.

Travel Disruptions and Advice for Tourists

The red weather alerts have not only caused flooding but have also severely disrupted transportation networks. Flights from Malaga have been affected, with cancellations and delays being reported throughout the weekend as a result of poor visibility and unsafe conditions at the airport. Trains and roads in the affected areas have also been impacted, with local authorities warning of impassable mountain passes and blocked roads due to flooding.

Tourists are advised to cancel or reschedule their travel plans, especially to the worst-hit areas, where continued disruption is anticipated. The heavy rains have made traversing the region dangerous, and local authorities are working on ensuring that visitors are evacuated safely if necessary. AEMET has indicated that conditions will continue to fluctuate and worsen in certain parts of the country, urging tourists and residents to stay informed of the evolving situation.

Weather Forecast and Future Precautions

Meteorologists expect that the storm system will gradually weaken as it moves inland, but the threat remains significant in the affected regions. By Monday, the worst of the rainfall may have passed, but authorities have warned that further adverse weather could impact other areas of Spain as the low-pressure system tracks eastward. Additionally, a second low-pressure system is anticipated to bring more rain and potential flooding over the Gulf of Lion, which could affect northern Spain and neighboring regions in the coming days.

Tourists and residents are advised to monitor official channels for weather updates and follow all advisories issued by local authorities. In the meantime, emergency services continue to assist in evacuations, road clearances, and providing necessary aid to those affected by the floods.

The Economic Impact of the Flooding

The severe weather has not only caused immediate disruptions but also poses long-term economic challenges for the affected regions. The Costa del Sol and areas around Malaga are vital to Spain’s tourism industry, drawing millions of visitors each year. The flooding and ongoing storm disruptions are expected to have a negative impact on the tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the region have reported cancellations and are bracing for an influx of recovery costs.

This flooding also highlights the vulnerability of Spain’s infrastructure to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent in recent years due to climate change. The Spanish government is likely to reassess how best to protect vital tourism and business hubs from such extreme weather events in the future. With storm warnings still in effect for many regions, a long-term response will be required to mitigate the effects of such disasters on both the economy and daily life.

What to Do If You’re in the Affected Areas

For those currently in Spain or planning to travel to the Costa del Sol, Malaga, Marbella, or Valencia over the next few days, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest weather reports. Travelers should adhere to official guidelines, avoid traveling to the most affected areas, and ensure their safety by staying in well-protected locations. If already in Spain, it is highly recommended to check with local authorities or the AEMET website for the latest updates on road closures, flight status, and safety recommendations.

If necessary, tourists should contact their airlines for information on flight cancellations or rebookings and seek alternative routes if possible. The International Red Cross and local emergency services are on hand to provide assistance, including relocation to safe areas if required.

Conclusion

The red weather alerts and severe flooding across southern Spain have created a challenging situation for both local residents and visitors. While the storms are expected to continue impacting travel over the next few days, the Spanish government and emergency services are working tirelessly to manage the situation and provide the necessary assistance. For tourists planning to visit Spain during this period, it is important to exercise caution, cancel or reschedule travel plans if needed, and stay informed through trusted sources.

As Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET continues to monitor the storm’s progression, the authorities are calling for public cooperation in helping to minimize the impact of these extreme weather events. With continued vigilance, it is hoped that the region will recover swiftly and that travel to Malaga and surrounding areas will resume in the near future.