Watch! Storm Emilia leaves Málaga hardest hit as Andalucía moves to pre-emergency phase
More than 280 incidents recorded across the region overnight, with fallen trees, flooding and coastal damage on the Costa del Sol
Otro vídeo desde las lagunas de Mijas, fue tremendo pic.twitter.com/7eaC18a0sL
— Ismael Piña (@ismaelpg_09) December 16, 2025
Andalucía has moved into a pre-emergency phase following the impact of Storm Emilia, after emergency services dealt with 282 weather-related incidents across the region overnight into Tuesday December 16. While conditions have improved, authorities say they remain on alert, particularly in Málaga province, which saw the highest number of call-outs.
Just after 10am this morning, the Andalusian Minister for Health, the Presidency and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, confirmed that the Special Emergency Plan for Flood Risk had been downgraded to Operational Situation 0. This decision came after adverse weather warnings were lifted. “We are easing restrictions, but vigilance remains essential,” he said, thanking residents for what he described as “their exemplary behaviour in following advice” and praising emergency teams for their work.
Málaga province accounted for around 50 incidents in just a few early morning hours, with the capital and towns including Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Rincón de la Victoria among the most affected. Strong winds were the main cause, bringing down trees and branches, triggering small landslides and damaging awnings and Christmas decorations.
One serious incident was reported in Málaga city, where a 56-year-old man was taken to hospital after being struck by a falling tree. Sources from the Ayuntamiento said municipal services were responding to around 15 separate incidents across districts, including fallen trees, debris from building facades and damaged vehicles.Along the Costa del Sol, Storm Emilia caused further disruption overnight. In Mijas and Fuengirola, heavy gusts and rough seas led to localised flooding and significant sand loss along the beaches. Parts of the Fuengirola seafront near the marina were temporarily flooded, while walkways, access points and beach bar terraces were affected in several coastal areas.
Mijas was hit particularly hard by a waterspout or tornado that struck the coastline in the early hours, with wind speeds reaching up to 130 kilometres per hour. Christmas lights were torn down, trees uprooted and boats dragged ashore. Firefighters handled seven storm-related call-outs during the night, mainly involving fallen trees and road hazards, while police worked to secure affected areas and manage traffic.Across the wider region, emergency services recorded incidents in Seville, Almería, Huelva, Cádiz and Granada, mostly linked to flooding, fallen trees and blocked roads. Since Storm Emilia began on Wednesday December 10, the coordination centre has managed hundreds of incidents, prompting repeated public alerts urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and flooded areas.
Although the worst now appears to have passed, local authorities continue to assess damage, especially along the Málaga coast, as cleanup operations remain ongoing.Images: Ayuntamiento de Mijas/Facebook
Video: @ismaelpg_09 (via Aemet)/X.com
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