Chaos in Barcelona as heavy rain hits the city at peak hour

Heavy rains hit Barcelona city center on Tuesday causing chaos for commuters at peak hour.

The government alert system for possible flooding has been activated and the authorities have urged the public to be especially cautious when traveling to work or school.

Some areas around the Catalan capital, such as the Port, saw rainfall of more than 48mm in only 30 minutes. Metro services on lines L3 and L2 were not stopping at certain stations in the city center in the peak hour, while the funicular had to be suspended. Buses were also experiencing delays around 9am.

During Tuesday morning, firefighters were called more than 100 times in Barcelona and L'Hospitalet, a major town next to the capital, mainly for floodings.

Water also made it difficult for vehicles to circulate in Barcelona, with the exit 21 of the 'Ronda Litoral' cut during the morning. Firefighters had to help cars get out of some flooded areas .

Worst might be yet to come

But the worst might still yet to come. Rain is expected to intensify at night, above all in Catalonia's central and northern coast and some kilometers inland. In certain places, the rainfall could get up to 150mm.