Portugal, Spain: Adverse weather forecast across the region through at least June 11

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Portugal and Spain through at least June 11. A storm system is forecast to impact Portugal's Atlantic island regions, the Azores and Madeira, from June 5 and Spain's Canary Islands from June 6. The system will bring strong winds, heavy downpours, and thunderstorm activity to these islands over the coming days. Winds gusting up to around 90 kph (56 mph) are possible in parts of Madiera, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, as well as rainfall totals of up to around 15 cm (6 inches) in Maderia. The low-pressure system associated with the storms will also impact much of mainland Portugal and Spain, as well as the Balearic Islands, over the coming days; however, the effects are expected to be more limited than in the Atlantic island regions. Flooding is possible in affected areas following periods of intense rainfall, and strong winds could cause damage to property and power outages.

As of June 5, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) have issued the following weather warnings across the country June 5-6:

• Red rainfall warnings: Mountainous and southern coastal areas of Madeira.

• Orange rainfall warnings: Across the rest of Maderia and eastern parts of the Azores.

• Yellow rainfall warnings: Central parts of the Azores and Braganca, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Portalegre, Vila Real, and Viseu districts in mainland Portugal.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Braganca, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Portalegre, Vila Real, and Viseu districts in mainland Portugal.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across Madeira and central and eastern parts of the Azores.

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the country June 5-6:

• Orange rainfall warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of northern Castile and Leon, eastern Castilla-La Mancha. and western Valencia autonomous communities.

• Orange strong wind warnings: La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

• Yellow thunderstorm and rainfall warnings: Across much of the Canary Islands and parts of central, northern, and southeastern mainland Spain.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: El Hierro and La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

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

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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. 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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)
Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia (AEMET)