A storm moved from south to north across the Vega Baja on Thursday, bringing intense rain and electrical activity from midday until late afternoon.

The Proyecto Mastral rain gauge network recorded peak accumulations of 50 litres per square metre in Almoradí. More than 20 litres were measured in Sierra Escalona in Pilar de la Horadada and in Los Balcones, south of Torrevieja. In contrast, inland areas saw far less rain, with central Orihuela recording none at all.

The forecast had already prompted Torrevieja Town Hall to suspend the official opening of the May Fair at the Antonio Soria Park concert venue. The downpour also caused the usual localised problems in parts of Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada and Torrevieja, including on the road linking San Miguel de Salinas with Orihuela Costa at Las Filipinas.

Despite the disruption, May rainfall is considered especially beneficial for the region’s market gardens and citrus crops. After several episodes of light muddy rain, the latest showers help to clean leaves and build up soil moisture ahead of the gradual rise in temperatures expected in the coming weeks.