The mayor of Madrid has urged all residents to stay at home as the city prepares for torrential rain and storms that are expected to affect parts of Spain. The national weather agency, AEMET, has issued a maximum red alert, indicating the possibility of extreme danger, for Sunday in the Madrid region, Toledo province, and the city of Cadiz. According to AEMET, up to 120 litres per square metre of rain could fall over a span of 12 hours in Madrid, surpassing previous rainfall records. In light of this unprecedented situation, Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida took to social media to request that people stay indoors for their safety.

BREAKING – Storm DANA hits southern Spain, Sevilla. Storms at 7:08 a.m. with very heavy rain.#StormHour pic.twitter.com/bXrZms5Aiy

— FLASHINFODUPATRIOTE (@powerwil96) September 3, 2023

Despite the warning, dark storm clouds were seen gathering over Madrid, and many people were still outside. One resident voiced his support for the red alert, stating, "The best thing to do is not to use your car today. It's going to be strongest at six o'clock, so we'll go home earlier." To further ensure public safety, Madrid's emergency services sent text messages to residents, providing flood risk warnings and advising against vehicle usage.

The severe weather conditions have also impacted sporting events in the city. LaLiga, Spain's top football league, suspended an evening match between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium due to the red alert. The effects of the storm were not limited to Madrid, as residents in Alcanar, Tarragona, on Spain's east coast, have been confined to their homes due to flooding caused by 215 litres per square metre of rainfall in the past 24 hours. As the city braces for a record-breaking deluge, the mayor's plea for residents to stay at home underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of such extreme weather conditions.