Travel Disrupted in Spain as Red Weather Alerts and Flooding Hit Popular Tourist Regions

Published on December 28, 2025

The country is currently facing a disaster in terms of weather, with heavy rains causing floods and red alerts for weather being issued in various parts of the country, including tourist spots. The Costa Del Sol area, a renowned tourist hotspot for foreigners, has been affected by the flooding. The Spanish national weather alert service has issued a warning of “extremely dangerous weather,” including heavy rainfall and flash floods.

Massive Impact on Travel Plans: Tourists Urged to Stay Away
The flooding in Málaga and surrounding areas has caused severe disruptions to travel plans, particularly for international visitors. For Irish tourists and other travelers planning to visit Spain, authorities are strongly advising against travel to the affected regions. In addition to the red weather alerts, tourists already in the area are being sent civil protection alerts on their mobile phones, urging them to stay inside and avoid dangerous areas.

The extreme weather conditions have led to cars being swept away by fast-moving floodwaters, while bursts of lightning and heavy rain continue to batter the affected regions. Footage shared on social media captures the chaotic scenes as floodwaters inundate streets and rivers overflow, exacerbating the situation for residents and visitors. The National Weather Service has warned of flash floods and sudden rises in water levels, urging travelers to avoid riverbeds and other flood-prone areas.

Dramatic Footage of Flooding in Costa del Sol
Shocking videos circulating on social media show cars being carried away by the swift currents in areas like Cártama, near Málaga, as well as footage of torrential rain and hail in Alhaurín el Grande. These images highlight the severity of the flooding, which has overwhelmed local infrastructure and posed significant dangers for anyone traveling through the region.

Emergency services are currently working around the clock to assist with evacuations and manage the crisis, but authorities are making it clear that the situation is still perilous. In light of this, travelers are being strongly urged to reconsider their holiday plans and avoid unnecessary travel to the areas affected by the flooding. For those already in the region, authorities have set up helplines and emergency contact numbers for assistance.

Weather Alerts and Warnings: Unprecedented Storm Conditions
The Spanish Meteorological Service (AEMET) has issued a red weather alert for the Sol and Guadalhorce areas, advising of the “extraordinary danger” posed by torrential rains. The warning, initially in effect until early on December 28, stresses the need to avoid travel in areas prone to flooding, particularly around riverbeds and flood-prone zones.

In addition to the red alerts in Málaga, several other regions have been put on an orange rain alert, including Antequera, Axarquía, and Ronda. These areas, along with parts of the Granada coast and the Valle del Almanzora and Los Vélez, are also expected to experience heavy rainfall and flooding, further complicating travel for both locals and tourists. The forecast indicates that the situation may worsen, with additional downpours and possible hailstorms throughout the coming days.

International Impact: Travel Chaos in Spain and the US
While Spain faces this severe weather event, the effects are not limited to Spanish borders. In the United States, travelers are also facing disruptions due to a powerful winter storm. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued ice and winter storm warnings for areas like New York state and Connecticut, while JFK Airport in New York City has experienced significant delays and cancellations. Several flights from Dublin to New York were affected, with delays reaching up to two hours on December 27, 2025. This serves as a reminder of the global impact that extreme weather can have on travel, with many tourists stranded or facing delays due to severe weather systems.

Urgent Travel Advisory for Tourists in Spain
The Spanish authorities have issued an urgent advisory for both local and international tourists, recommending that those in affected areas stay indoors and refrain from any non-essential travel. Roads in Málaga and the surrounding regions have been flooded, and several areas are reportedly impassable due to the high water levels. The flooding has also affected essential services, including transportation networks, which are struggling to operate in the difficult conditions.

For those planning to travel to Spain in the coming days, it is highly recommended to monitor local weather reports and check for updates on flight and train schedules. Many tourists have already faced cancellations or delays as a result of the extreme weather, and more disruptions are expected.

Travel Insurance and Safety Precautions for Tourists
Given the current situation in Spain, tourists are advised to contact their travel insurance providers to understand their coverage in the event of cancellations or delays. Many insurance companies offer assistance in cases of weather-related travel disruptions, including coverage for accommodation, transportation, and emergency medical costs. Tourists should also ensure they are aware of local emergency numbers and have access to evacuation routes, should the situation worsen.

Looking Ahead: Spain’s Weather Crisis and Tourism Recovery

At this point, the main concern of the Spanish government is dealing with the situation and protecting the welfare of its people and visitors. As the rescue teams continue carrying out their operations, there will be some temporary impacts on the tourism sector of Spain. But after the flood water recedes, the government of Spain will also act to facilitate travel to the country, which will help the tourism sector to flourish again.