Heavy rain and hail in Vega Baja: impact at the end of December and early January

The end of December 2025 and the first days of January 2026 brought periods of heavy rain, storms and hail to the Vega Baja del Segura region, causing localized flooding, traffic disruptions and numerous emergency interventions.

According to AEMET and Civil Protection, several municipalities recorded between 40 and 55 litres of rainfall per square metre in a short time, an unusually high amount for winter.

Flooded roads and affected areas

The most affected locations included Orihuela, Albatera, Callosa de Segura, and rural areas between Catral and Dolores, where overflowing ravines and low-lying zones flooded roadways. Several secondary roads and rural access routes were temporarily closed.

In the Serralba area (Albatera), on December 28, a severe hailstorm caused material damage to vehicles and forced drivers to stop due to dangerous conditions.

Emergency response and incidents

Firefighters from the Alicante Provincial Consortium and local services carried out multiple operations:

• assisting drivers stranded on flooded roads;

• pumping water from garages and basements;

• monitoring water levels in ravines and flood-prone zones.

In Orihuela Costa, emergency teams helped an elderly couple whose car became partially surrounded by water after overnight rainfall. No injuries were reported.

Renewed rainfall in early January

In early January, a new weather front brought further heavy rain, particularly affecting Orihuela and surrounding areas, leading to localized flooding of streets and residential courtyards. AEMET once again issued a yellow weather warning.

Official assessments confirm that:

• no fatalities were recorded in Vega Baja;

• no major infrastructure damage occurred;

• the main impacts involved roads, vehicles and private property.

Authorities stress the need for caution, reminding residents and drivers not to cross flooded roads and to follow official weather warnings at all times.