France, Spain, Andorra: Adverse weather forecast across southern and eastern France, northern Spain, and Andorra through at least Dec. 11 /update 1

Event

Heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast across southern and eastern France, northern Spain, and Andorra through at least Dec. 11. As of Dec. 9, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the second-highest on a four-tier scale): Hautes-Pyrenees and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in southern France; and northeastern Basque County and northwestern Navarre region in northern Spain.

• Orange flood warnings: Gers, Landes, and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in southern France.

• Orange avalanche warnings: Aude, Ariege, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in southern France, as well as Andorra.

• Orange snow and ice warnings: northern Aragon region in Spain.

• Orange thaw warnings: northern Castile and Leen and northeastern Navarre regions in Spain.

• Orange coastal warnings for strong winds and high waves: Across the northern and northwestern coast of Spain.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Ariege, Haute-Garonne, and Landes departments in southern France; and parts of Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and Leon, and Catalonia regions in Spain.

• Yellow flood warnings: Ariege, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrenees, Lot-et-Garonne, and Tarn-et-Garonne departments in southern France and Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments in northeastern France.

• Yellow snow and avalanche warnings: Across much of eastern France, as well as Corsica and Aveyron, Correze and Creuse in south-central France; and northwestern Navarre Region in Spain.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Southwestern coast of France.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
State Meteorological Agency, Spain (Spanish)
Meteo France (French)