19 Sep 2023 | 10:10 AM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions through at least Sept. 20
Severe weather forecast across parts of eastern Spain through at least Sept. 20. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across parts of eastern mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least Sept. 20. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Rainfall amounts of up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) per hour are expected across parts of the affected areas.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Sept. 19:
Orange rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of northeastern Valencia Autonomous Community and Formentera, Ibiza, and western Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across parts of northeastern Andalucia, southwestern Aragon, southern Castile and Leon, eastern Castile-La Mancha, southern Catalonia, Murcia, and central and southern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as central and eastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across parts of northeastern Andalucia, southwestern Aragon, southern Castile and Leon, eastern Castile-La Mancha, southern Catalonia, Murcia, and central, northeastern, and southern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as Formentera, Ibiza, and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
The following warnings are in place for Sept. 20:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Formentera, Ibiza, and western Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southern eastern, northeastern, and southern Catalonia and northeastern Valencia autonomous communities and the rest of the Balearic Islands not under orange warnings.
Yellow storm warnings: Parts of southern eastern, northeastern, and southern Catalonia and northeastern Valencia autonomous communities and all of the Balearic 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 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather may 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 could also trigger flight delays and cancellations 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-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.
