Satellite image of the low-pressure storm that hit Spain on 3 September 2023. This type of storm, known as a cut-off low, is brought on by a low pressure system that becomes isolated from the main airflow, causing it to slow down. This can produce severe weather and heavy rainfall as evidenced by the torrential rain that fell across Spain on 3 September 2023, with the heaviest rains recorded in Cadiz, Tarragona and Castello. Major flooding occurred in parts of the country, including in Madrid, causing rivers to overflow, destroying bridges and damaging homes. Three fatalities were caused and three people were reported missing. The downpours came amid a major drought across the country meaning the rainwater was not easily absorbed, increasing the likelihood of flooding. The downpours had eased by the time this image was captured but the storm also carried Saharan dust from North Africa (bottom right) over Europe and into the Atlantic Ocean. Image obtained by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite.