Red Weather Alert Issued for Costa del Sol as Storm Francis Brings Torrential Rain

Emergency Red Alert Activated Across Malaga Province

The Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley in Malaga province, Spain, faced a rare and severe weather event on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a red weather warning due to the impact of Storm Francis. The alert, signifying 'extreme risk,' was activated with an urgent message sent to mobile phones across the region around 2:41 PM, warning residents of imminent danger from torrential rains.

Torrential Rainfall and Widespread Flooding

AEMET initially forecasted up to 120mm of rainfall per square meter within a 12-hour period. However, actual precipitation in some areas of Malaga province significantly exceeded these predictions, with reports indicating over 200mm of rain. Specific locations recorded exceptionally high levels:

• Coín, Cártama, and Estepona experienced some of the heaviest downpours.
• The Grande river accumulated 190mm.
• Casarabonela recorded over 180mm.
• Ojén saw approximately 150mm.
• Guadalmansa received over 120mm.
• The Genal river accumulated over 130mm.

This intense rainfall led to widespread flooding, affecting numerous homes, streets, and roads. Rivers such as the Grande, Guadalhorce, and Manilva either overflowed their banks or were on the verge of doing so, exacerbating the flood situation.

Disruptions and Emergency Response

The severe weather caused significant disruption and prompted a robust emergency response. Emergency services attended to more than 120 incidents across Malaga province, primarily related to flooding. The regional government of Andalucía activated its emergency flood plan to coordinate efforts.

Key impacts and responses included:

• Around 30 people were forced to evacuate their homes, with three families specifically evicted in the La Dehesa area.
• The Red Cross prepared an evacuation center in Cártama.
• In Malaga city, shops, hotels, museums, and theatres closed their doors.
• Public transport was affected, with Line 2 of the metro suspended and bus connections to Campanillas cut.
• Road closures were implemented on routes such as MA-5401 and MA-8302.
• Shoppers at Marbella's La Cañada centre were forced to leave due to the alert.

Civil Protection authorities issued urgent advice, urging the public to 'exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel,' and 'not cross flood-prone areas' or engage in activities near riverbeds. Residents in affected zones were advised to seek higher ground or move to upper floors within their homes.

Ongoing Monitoring and Recovery Efforts

The red alert remained in effect until nearly midnight on January 4th, with authorities continuously monitoring river levels and weather conditions. While rainfall intensity decreased late on Sunday, the region braced for potential further rain in the following days. The event highlighted the vulnerability of the Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley to extreme weather phenomena and the importance of rapid emergency response protocols.