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

Event

Heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, strong winds, possible avalanches, and possible flooding are forecast across parts of southern France, northern Spain, and Andorra through at least Jan. 11. Authorities have issued the following weather warnings as of Jan. 10:

• Red flood and heavy rain warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Ariege, Hautes-Pyrenees, and Haute-Garonne departments in Occitanie Region as well as Landes and Pyrenees-Atlantiques departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region in France; rainfall of 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) is likely in the plain, 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) on the foothills and valleys, and 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) in the mountains with the melting of the snowpack below 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) likely to add to the rainfall accumulations.

• Orange avalanche warnings: Gers Department in Occitanie Region, France

• Orange flood warnings: Pyrenees-Orientales Department in Occitanie Region, France

• Orange heavy rain warnings: northern Huesca Province in Aragon Autonomous Community and northern Lerida Province in Catalonia Autonomous Community in Spain

• Orange strong wind warnings: northern Valencia Autonomous Community in Spain

• Orange large wave warnings: coastal areas of eastern Asturias, Basque Country, and Cantabria autonomous communities in Spain

• Yellow avalanche, strong wind, heavy rain, heavy snow, large waves, and flood warnings: across the rest of the affected area.

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

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs 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. 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 affected areas. 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 weather 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
Meteo-France (French)
Spain Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia (Spanish)