Flash floods caused by torrential rain have brought parts of Spain to a standstill, inundating streets, metro stations and a hospital in Barcelona while leaving widespread damage in the Valencia region.

Authorities said intense downpours dumped up to 80 liters of rain per square meter within hours, sweeping away vehicles and cutting off communities.

One person has died after attempting to cross a flooded stream.

Residents have criticized the timing of emergency alerts, drawing comparisons to previous deadly floods as Spain faces another extreme weather event after its hottest summer on record.