Red Alert in Formentera

Hurricane Gabriel

Formentera, October 1, 2025

The island of Formentera experienced a day marked by severe weather yesterday due to the remnants of (ex) Hurricane Gabriel. Spain’s national weather agency (AEMET) issued a red alert for extreme rain risk for several hours, an episode that caused concern among locals but ultimately resulted in no personal injuries.

Rainfall was particularly intense, with over 100 liters per square meter recorded in some areas of the island. A combination of various atmospheric factors created an unusual storm that tested the emergency services’ ability to respond.

The alert spread quickly among residents, especially after a Civil Protection warning was received on mobile phones around midday. The message advised people to avoid travel and take extra precautions due to the risk of flooding.

Although the storm hit Formentera with force, the situation was resolved without serious consequences. In contrast, Ibiza was hit harder by the storm system, suffering large-scale flooding that disrupted traffic and made it difficult for both residents and tourists to get around.

An Unusual Storm

According to AEMET, the event was the result of the remnants of a weakened hurricane combining with moisture-laden easterly winds. The storm system was described as large, stable, and slow-moving, capable of covering half of the Iberian Peninsula.

Miquel Gili, spokesperson for the agency in the Balearic Islands, explained that this type of situation could become more common in the future and warned of the need to adapt to more extreme weather events. The storm brought together cold air at high altitudes, abundant atmospheric energy, and the island’s strategic location for cloud formation, resulting in intense rainfall.

The Fire Department of the Formentera Island Council carried out a total of 12 operations between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The interventions took place in La Savina, Sant Francesc, Cala en Baster, and the municipal football field, where localized flooding was reported.

Ibiza, the Hardest Hit by the Storm

Before the rains reached Formentera, Ibiza was already suffering the storm’s severe effects. The city of Vila was flooded, with dramatic images of muddy torrents pouring into the port.
In just a few hours, over 200 liters per square meter fell, causing closures on the airport road and the main ring road. Many passengers arriving from Formentera were stranded at Ibiza’s Maritime Station, with the added stress of having flights scheduled to return to their home countries.

Much-Needed Rain

Despite the disruptions, many Formentera locals welcomed the rainfall after an extremely dry summer. The water will be crucial for the survival of the forests and native species such as fig trees and vines, many of which were clearly showing signs of stress.
The rain fell in a concentrated burst and led to runoff and flooding in some areas, but the final balance was positive: there were no casualties, and material damage was limited.