Torrential rain and hail cause widespread flooding in southern Spain's Jaén

Andalucía

Pedestrians stranded, roads submerged and shopping centre inundated after 30 litres of rain fell in just 20 minutes, triggering a pre-emergency response

Manuela Millán

A severe storm has caused widespread disruption in Jaén after intense rain and hail turned streets into rivers and flooding properties.

The downpour, which began at around 8pm yesterday, caught people by surprise as the weather rapidly deteriorated, bringing a combination of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds that lasted for nearly an hour.

Infrastructure overwhelmed

The downpour overwhelmed the Andalusian city's drainage systems.

Local weather services reported that 30 litres of rain per square metre fell within a 20-minute window.

The volume of water turned roads into rivers with enough force to dislodge paving stones and sweep away large wheelie bins.

Passersby struggled against the rising water, with some knocked off their feet and unable to stand without assistance, while motorists faced dangerous driving conditions.

Extensive flooding and infrastructure damage

The city centre was among the areas hardest hit. The Roldán y Marín underground car park had to close after water flooded in through its entrance, requiring emergency barriers to block access.

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