05 Aug 2022 | 08:38 AM UTC
Andorra, France, Spain: Adverse weather forecast across Andorra and parts of southern and eastern France and northeastern Spain through at least Aug. 6
Severe weather forecast across Andorra, southern and eastern France, and northeastern Spain through at least Aug. 6. Possible disruptions.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast to break out across Andorra and parts of southern and eastern France, and northeastern Spain through at least Aug. 6. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms.
As of Aug. 5, the meteorological agencies for the affected countries have issued the following weather warnings:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): Ardeche, Drome, Haute-Loire, Isere, and Rhone departments in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Region in France; and parts of central and western Catalonia Autonomous Community in Spain.
Orange rainfall warnings: Parts of central and western Catalonia Autonomous Community in Spain.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Andorra; across much of the eastern half of France, as well as far southern departments and Corsica; and parts of northern, central, eastern, and southern Aragon, far eastern Castile and Leon, southwestern, eastern, and northern Catalonia, and far northwestern Valencia autonomous communities in Spain.
Yellow rainfall warnings: Andorra; and parts of northern and eastern Aragon and northern and southwestern Catalonia autonomous communities in Spain.
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 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
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.
