11 Sep 2023 | 11:39 AM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Sept. 12
Severe weather forecast across parts of northern Spain through at least Sept. 12. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across parts of northern Spain through at least Sept. 12. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Flooding is possible in affected areas following periods of intense rainfall and strong winds may cause power outages and property damage.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across parts of eastern and southern Basque Country and central and northern Navarre autonomous communities.
Yellow rainfall warnings: Across the rest of Basque Country and Navarre, all of Cantabria and La Rioja, and parts of eastern Asturias and northeastern Castille and Leon autonomous communities.
Yellow storm warnings: Across the affected area.
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.
