The latest forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) have raised the alert for extreme rainfall in Valencia and Castellón to red level. The coastal areas of both provinces will be at the highest risk level starting at 6:00 p.m. today, October 1, due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding.
In light of the approaching storm and the forecast of torrential rains that could reach 250 liters per square meter in 12 hours in some parts of the Valencian Community, authorities have ordered the widespread closure of schools, the cancellation of outdoor activities, the suspension of official events, and the closure of parks, gardens, and public spaces for safety reasons.
Valencia Closes Elementary and High Schools on Thursday and Friday
The Valencia City Council, after convening the Cecopal, has ordered the closure of all elementary schools, high schools, and educational institutions of any kind starting at 3:00 p.m. today and throughout Friday, October 2.
In addition to the city of Valencia, more than 40 municipalities are closing their schools and suspending extracurricular activities between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. today and all day tomorrow. These towns are: Alaquàs, Albal, Alberic, Alcàntera de Xúquer, Aldaia, Alfafar, Alfara del Patriarca, Almussafes, Alzira, Benaguasil, Benigànim, Benirredrà, Bétera, Canals, Càrcer, Casinos, Catarroja, Cheste, Chiva, Cullera, Gandia, Gàtova, Godella, Llombai, Llíria, Loriguilla, Massalavés, Meliana, Montcada, Paiporta, Pedralba, La Pobla de Vallbona, Requena, Riba-roja de Túria, Sagunto, San Antonio de Benagéber, Sedaví, Sueca, Tavernes de la Valldigna, Torrent, Vilamarxant, Xeraco, and Xirivella.
However, each municipality may establish its own restrictions and allow certain activities to take place indoors; therefore, we recommend checking the information provided by the official channels of each specific city government.
Online classes at most universities
The major universities have suspended in-person classes between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will hold classes online or in a hybrid format both today and tomorrow so that students and faculty do not face risks on the roads or on public transportation.
Public institutions such as the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the University of Valencia, and Jaume I University in Castellón have already announced how they will conduct classes. Private institutions such as the Catholic University of Valencia, CEU Cardenal Herrera, and the European University have also done the same. In any case, the format of classes may vary depending on the subject, grade level, or professor, so we recommend checking the websites of these institutions.
