Published on
September 11, 2025
Mallorca is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, as torrential rains and violent storms disrupt daily life and travel across the island.
Mallorca is currently grappling with severe weather conditions, as torrential rains and violent storms disrupt daily life and travel across the island. Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport is facing significant delays, and local authorities are urging extreme caution for residents and tourists alike. The storms, which began earlier this week, have caused widespread flooding, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions, with the bad weather showing no signs of easing.
Palma Airport Faces Major Flight Delays
Son Sant Joan Airport, the busiest in Mallorca, has been at the center of travel chaos due to the ongoing storms. Aena, the airport’s operating authority, reported significant disruptions throughout Tuesday morning, with flights delayed by up to two hours. Between 10 a.m. and noon, 20 departures and 22 arrivals were delayed. This comes after intense rainfall had already begun affecting the island’s airport operations the previous day. While other airports in the Balearics, such as those in Ibiza and Menorca, have reported minimal disruption, Palma remains the hardest hit, with ongoing delays causing frustration for travelers.
The weather-related delays are attributed to persistent rainfall that has been lashing the island for over 24 hours, reducing visibility and making takeoffs and landings challenging for airlines. Passengers are being advised to check flight statuses regularly, as further delays are possible. Given the severity of the weather, flight cancellations may also occur as airlines continue to assess safety conditions.
Widespread Flooding and Storm Damage Across Mallorca
The storms have caused significant flooding and damage to infrastructure across Mallorca. Emergency services reported 95 weather-related incidents by Wednesday morning. These incidents have primarily involved flooding in low-lying areas, fallen trees, and water accumulation on roads, making them impassable in many places.
The majority of these incidents occurred in Mallorca, where 92 events were recorded, including 47 incidents in Palma alone. Other affected areas include Calvia, with 19 incidents, and Andratx, which reported four. Minor incidents were also reported in municipalities such as Algaida, Manacor, and Marratxí. In Menorca, there were just two reported weather-related events, and in Ibiza, only one incident was recorded, indicating that the islands were not as severely affected by the storms.
The heavy rainfall and strong winds have brought down trees, blocking roads and creating hazards for vehicles. Many main roads, especially in more rural areas, are now flooded or partially obstructed by fallen debris. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to clear roads and provide alternative routes for residents and tourists. In some cases, trees have fallen on power lines, leading to power outages in certain areas.
Authorities are also concerned about the impact on agriculture, as fields and crops have been submerged by the heavy rainfall. Early reports suggest that the damage to farming infrastructure could be substantial, although further assessments are expected in the coming days.
Weather Warnings and Forecast
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a yellow warning for several parts of Mallorca, particularly for the interior and Llevant regions, as the weather conditions continue to worsen. The yellow alert indicates the potential for further rain and storms, with the possibility of up to 30 millimeters of rain per hour from midday onwards. This could exacerbate the risk of flooding, especially in already saturated areas.
Aemet has warned that the storms may continue through the week, with local conditions expected to remain volatile. Travelers, especially those planning to drive, are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel, particularly in flood-prone areas. Public transport may also experience delays or cancellations, as flooding has affected roadways and infrastructure.
Emergency Services on High Alert
Emergency services across the Balearic Islands remain on high alert as they respond to the ongoing storms. Firefighters, police, and rescue teams are actively involved in clearing floodwaters, removing fallen trees, and providing assistance to stranded residents. The primary concerns are the flooding of low-lying areas, which could affect homes and businesses, and the potential for additional road blockages caused by fallen trees and debris.
In addition to the flooding, there is also concern about the impact of heavy rainfall on coastal areas, where rough seas and strong winds are likely to cause hazards. Coastal flooding could disrupt ferry services and pose risks to beachgoers, so authorities are advising against any water-related activities.
As the storm system continues to move across the region, emergency services are prepared for more incidents and are expected to work through the night to mitigate damage. They are also coordinating with local councils to ensure that areas most at risk are monitored closely and that the public is kept informed of the latest developments.
Travel and Safety Tips for Locals and Tourists
Both locals and tourists in Mallorca are urged to stay updated on the latest weather conditions and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Travelers heading to Palma Airport are advised to check the status of their flights before traveling to the airport. The airport is experiencing disruptions, and passengers should expect potential delays, cancellations, and changes to flight schedules.
Those traveling by car should avoid roads that are prone to flooding or have been closed due to fallen trees. The heavy rainfall has made many roads slippery, and visibility is reduced in some areas. Motorists are advised to drive carefully, keep their headlights on, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Tourists should be particularly cautious if they are staying in low-lying areas or near rivers, as these regions are at high risk for flooding. It’s recommended to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially in the afternoon, when conditions are expected to worsen.
