Storm System Alice devastates parts of the Balearic Islands: airport flooded, roads in Porto Cristo and Cala Romántica underwater

When the rain came: Alice hits the islands hard

You could almost see the clouds closing in in the blink of an eye. On Saturday, around 6:30 p.m., the heavens over the Balearics opened the floodgates. In Palma it rained in short but extremely intense showers, in the Tramuntana mountains and in the east streets turned into streams within minutes.

Airport: Water entered the terminal

Particularly dramatic was the situation on Ibiza. Several videos on social networks showed water seeping through the terminal ceiling and flooding the baggage carousels. Travelers stood there with wet bags and suitcases; some flights were diverted, others were canceled. According to eyewitnesses, panic occurred in places until airport security cordoned off the areas.

On Mallorca the heavy rains caused flooded sections on the MA-15 near Porto Cristo. Residents report cars half-submerged, and small streams suddenly acting like raging torrents. Most affected: the access to Cala Romántica, where the road was washed away at several points.

Authorities Responded: Warnings and Disaster Alert

On Saturday evening, disaster alerts were issued in several municipalities. Authorities urged via warning apps and SMS to keep doors and windows closed and not to enter basements. The national weather service AEMET raised Orange alert for Ibiza and Formentera in parts, while large parts of Mallorca were initially yellow with local tightening.

Local Police, Civil Guard, Civil Protection and the fire departments were on continuous duty, especially in narrow village streets and along coastlines. Several places reported short power outages as circuit breakers tripped due to incoming water. In some neighborhoods evacuations were organized as a precaution; people were taken to nearby municipal buildings.

Life After: Cleanup and Questions

On Sunday morning puddles of unusual size covered many squares, depressions were filled with mud. Cleanup work has begun: street sweepers, trucks with sandbags and farmers with tractors cleared the roads. Hotel owners on the east coast report wet rooms on the ground floor and damaged outdoor facilities.

Many wonder whether the sewer system in some places can still absorb such amounts of water. The discussion about precautionary measures and better drainage concepts will likely provide material for the next municipal council meetings.

What is important now

If you are out today: Avoid flooded roads (especially MA-15 toward Porto Cristo), follow the instructions of the emergency services and check local alerts. Inspect windows and basements for water intrusion and report damage to your insurer as quickly as possible.

A small personal note: I spoke earlier with a neighbor; she had gone home the night before and said: 'I've never experienced anything like this here.' Many here feel similarly. The island is showing its rough side – and the cleanup will be a bit of work.