Overnight storm and rain warnings updated to orange for Alicante province

More severe weather now expected so many schools and activities will be cancelled tomorrow

The rain and storm warnings for this evening and tomorrow morning have been updated to orange across the whole of Alicante province, meaning it could pose a significant risk to people and property.

As a result many town halls have ordered schools to close tomorrow and cancelled sporting and outdoor activities, including street markets.

They have also issued safety advice, such as to avoid making unnecessary journeys and stay away from floodable areas.

While earlier today the south of the province was only on yellow alert, state meteorological agency Aemet has revised its predictions.

The orange alert came into effect at 8pm and for the northern and southern coastal areas will continue until 12pm on Tuesday.

The interior is expected to be less badly affected, so the warning there has been downgraded to yellow from midnight tonight and ends at 7am on Tuesday.

The coastal area north of Benidorm is forecast to be worst affected, with up to 140mm of rain over 12 hours, of which 80mm could fall in a single hour.

Elsewhere in the province there could be up to 100mm over 12 hours, with up to 60mm within an hour along the coast south of Benidorm and 40mm within an hour in the interior.