It looks like snow, but it is hail: the afternoon of May 8, numerous places in the Valencian hinterland, in Spain, were covered with a white blanket which transformed the landscape into full winter style. Xàtiva, Bugarra, the Olleria and Villar del Arzobispo They are just some of the municipalities affected. The images released by the residents show roads and roofs covered with several centimeters of ice, while the firefighters intervened to free areas blocked by the accumulation.
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In the municipality of L’Olleria, two forest teams of the provincial consortium of the firefighters were mobilized to remove hail from public areas and roads. In Xàtiva, an flooded tunnel caused the interruption of vehicular traffic. Other interventions were recorded in Suaca and Paterna, where it is suspected that lightning can have caused small fires. The emergency number 112 has managed at least 23 calls related to rains and thunderstorms throughout the Valencian community.
Las Tormentas Aumadñadas de granizo que se regortron este jueves en comarcas de valencia y castellón dejan más de 10,000 hectáreas de cultivos afectadas.
Las Pérdidas Podrían Ser Millonarias Según Las Organizaciones agrarias. pic.twitter.com/umcpozbqrt
– Efe C. Valenciana (@Efe_cvalenciana) May 9, 2025
The storm activated around 17:00, with large hail in the area of Pedralba, Casinos and Bugarra. According to theAemet (Spanish meteorological agency), it was probably a Cyclonic supercella – A very powerful type of storm, capable of abnormal deviations compared to the average wind. One of the most intense cells, which started from the Serranía, slowly moved south-east, hitting densely inhabited areas. Valencia airport confirmed the presence of ongoing thunderstorms.
→ en áreas de la Comunitat Valenciana y región de Murcia if they produce granizadas important.
→ The Red de Descargas has DetectoDo 4,776 Rayos en Seis Horas. pic.twitter.com/6xvx0phctd
– Aemet (@aemet_esp) May 8, 2025
The situation also had repercussions on mobility. The regional trains, long-distance and commuters between Valencia and Castellón have undergone delays for a problem with the signs caused by the weather conditions in Burriana-Alquerías del Niño Perdido.
The authorities did not remain silent. The president of the Diputación of Valencia, Vicent Mompólaunched an appeal to prudence by inviting citizens to Avoid unnecessary movements and to follow the indications of the emergency services. He also reported damage to crops, vehicles and infrastructures in the areas of Vall d’Albaida, the Costra and Hoya De Buñol.
In response to intense rainfall, the Municipality of Valencia has activated the closing protocol of parks, gardens, outdoor activities and cemeteries. An emergency reception center has also been prepared for the homeless in collaboration with the Red Cross.
Aemet said orange alert for the north coast and the south hinterland of Valencia until 22:00, with a probability of 40–70% of hail and intense thunderstorms. The yellow alert for rain is also in force in the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante, with peaks expected to 30 l/m² in an hour.
