Storms Batter Europe as Spain and Italy Face Flash Flooding

21 August 2026

Europe is facing another spell of severe summer weather, with powerful storms and torrential rainfall causing flash flooding in parts of Spain and Italy.

In Italy, the town of Chiavari in Liguria was among the areas badly affected, with around 126mm of rain reported. Streets were rapidly transformed into rivers, forcing motorists to navigate through deep floodwater. Authorities issued escalating flood warnings as intense storm cells moved inland from the sea.

Elsewhere in northern Italy, around 250 people were evacuated in the Bergamo area amid concerns over rising river levels and landslides. Emergency services have been placed on alert as further heavy rainfall threatens already saturated areas.

Spain also hit by violent weather

Spain has also experienced severe storms, with Majorca placed under an orange weather alert. Strong winds brought down more than 30 trees, while gusts reached approximately 62mph. Valencia was also affected by violent weather, including powerful winds, muddy flooding and numerous emergency call-outs.

The latest flooding comes after deadly weather earlier in August. In northwestern Spain, torrential rain triggered flooding and a landslide that killed two elderly women, while two babies were injured. Spanish authorities subsequently placed several regions under storm and heavy-rain warnings.

From extreme heat to sudden floods

The storms are particularly striking because they follow weeks of intense heat, drought and wildfires across southern Europe. Millions of people across countries including Spain and Italy have recently endured temperatures above 35°C, while prolonged hot and dry conditions have contributed to a severe wildfire season.

The rapid shift from extreme heat to torrential rain highlights the increasingly volatile nature of summer weather across Europe. Climate experts have warned that a warming climate can intensify heavy rainfall as well as heatwaves, although individual storms require specific scientific attribution.

Authorities urge caution

Residents and tourists in affected areas are being urged to take weather warnings seriously, avoid flooded roads and stay away from fast-moving water. Flash floods can develop extremely quickly, particularly in areas where heavy rain falls over a short period.

As Europe enters the final weeks of the summer holiday season, the latest storms are another reminder that extreme weather can rapidly disrupt travel, tourism and everyday life.

Europe may have been battling the heat, but the latest storms show that the danger can change in a matter of hours—from scorching temperatures and wildfires to destructive rain, flooding and landslides.