Mediterranean mini-hurricane could form in Catalonia, Barcelona activated its municipal emergency plan

 Catalan leader Salvador Illa on Saturday warned that a "Mediterranean mini-hurricane" could form in the northeastern Spanish region as weather agencies issued red alerts for torrential rain.

"I urge maximum caution given the weather forecasts: a Mediterranean mini-hurricane could form in Catalonia," Illa wrote on US social media company X.

"Rain is already affecting much of the region. This afternoon we will announce important measures that must be followed."

He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and ravines, and avoid parking in flood-prone areas.

Spain's weather agency AEMET warned that rainfall could exceed 90 millimeters (3.5 inches) in an hour and 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) in less than six hours in parts of Barcelona and Girona provinces.

It forecast particularly severe conditions Saturday night and during the first half of Sunday, warning of possible flooding and surging rivers under its highest-level red alert.