Ibiza, the iconic Balearic Island known for its vibrant nightlife and pristine beaches, has been overwhelmed by catastrophic flooding as the remnants of Hurricane Gabrielle, now an extratropical storm dubbed ex-Gabrielle, unleash chaos across the region. Jaw-dropping footage circulating online captures streets transformed into raging rivers, cars swept away by murky torrents, and lightning illuminating the sky as violent weather batters towns and cities.
Holidaymakers, drawn to Ibiza during this quieter season to avoid peak crowds, have been left stranded, with beach clubs submerged and infrastructure crippled. Social media posts show tourists lamenting the underwater state of popular venues, their plans for sun-soaked relaxation replaced by scenes of chaos and destruction.
The storm, which transitioned from Hurricane Gabrielle into ex-Gabrielle, has plunged not only Ibiza but also Murcia and Valencia into disarray. The Spanish state meteorological agency, AEMET, issued a red warning—the highest alert level—for heavy rainfall across the island, effective until 4pm local time. A staggering 180mm of rain fell in just 12 hours, prompting warnings of potential flooding and sudden rises in waterways. AEMET urged extreme caution, stating, “Extraordinary danger. There may be flooding and sudden rises in waterways.”
Local media described a “complete meltdown” in Ibiza Town, with emergency services issuing a mass telephone alert to residents, urging them to avoid travel, outdoor activities, and low-lying areas, including streams and basements. At Ibiza Airport, rainfall poured through the roof, leading to a warning on the airport’s website: “ADVERSE WEATHER: AEMET red warning for adverse weather. If you are planning to fly to/from Ibiza Airport, please check with your airline about the status of your flight.”