Balearic Storm Triggers Floods and Flight Delays
Visitors across Spain’s Balearic Islands faced flooding and travel disruption on 19 October as Storm Adam brought torrential rain to Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca. Balearic emergency authorities kept their highest civil protection alert in force across all three islands. By midday, emergency services had recorded 201 incidents since Saturday night, while flights at Palma airport were delayed. Further downpours were forecast overnight into Tuesday.
Heavy rain caused streams to overflow on Ibiza, including near Santa Eulària, and flooded streets and buildings across the islands. Emergency officials sent mobile ES-Alert warnings to Ibiza and Formentera, urging residents and visitors to take precautions. AEMET reported 190mm of rain at Es Codolar and 130mm on Formentera over 24 hours. Saturated ground left even lighter showers capable of causing further flooding.
The government retained its red Meteobal civil protection alert because flooding risks persist after rainfall eases; AEMET’s weather warnings use a separate scale and may be lower. Menorca remained under an orange civil protection alert. Overnight storms were expected to intensify into 20 October. By 14:00, Palma Airport had recorded 15 diverted flights and two cancellations, while another flight was diverted from Ibiza. Numerous departures and arrivals were delayed.
Storm Adam: Flight Disruptions and Safety Alerts
- Affected islands: Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca under red civil protection alerts; Menorca orange.
- Roads: Check DGT traffic updates or call 011; never drive through flooded streets or water crossings.
- Flights: Check your airline and Aena before leaving for the airport.
- Ferries: Confirm departures with your operator before travelling.
- Weather: Follow AEMET forecasts and Balearic emergency updates.
- Emergency: Call 112 in Spain; follow any ES-Alert instructions on your phone.
Anyone due to fly or travel between the islands on Monday night or Tuesday should check both transport operations and the road leading to their departure point. A confirmed flight does not mean its airport access route is clear. Postpone coastal outings, hiking near watercourses and driving through flooded areas until local authorities confirm conditions are safe; storm runoff can rise quickly without fresh rain nearby.