Several people missing, high-speed rail suspended as widespread flooding hits Spain

​​​​​​​By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Large parts of Spain were hit with heavy rainfall Tuesday, with the regions of Andalusia and Valencia hit hardest.

At least six people are missing after a deluge brought up to 200 liters of rain per square meter (50 gallons per square yard) in hours in towns across the region of Valencia. That amounts to nearly half of the expected annual rainfall for the area.

The flooding quickly trapped dozens of residents in their homes, triggering dramatic rescues.

In Valencia, flash flooding combined with rivers bursting their banks, which also occurred in the province of Malaga.

The rain was part of a powerful storm system that also caused two tornadoes in Valencia and golf ball-sized hail in the province of Almeria.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said late Tuesday that he was closely following developments regarding the missing and the damage caused by the storms. He also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.

Travel, especially around the Valencia area, has already been severely disrupted by the storm.

After a high-speed train derailed -- with no injuries reported -- high-speed rail service was suspended between Madrid and Valencia. At least 10 flights to and from Valencia airport were canceled and 12 more were rerouted.

While Tuesday is expected to bring the worst of the storm, many of the hardest-hit areas remain on alert for heavy rains through Wednesday, according to Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET.