05 Sep 2023 | 02:34 AM UTC
Spain: Heavy rains produce flash floods in Madrid and central, southern, and eastern regions, as of early Sept. 5 /update 1
Heavy rains produce flash floods in Madrid and across central, southern, and eastern Spain, early Sept. 5. Fatalities reported.
Event
Heavy rains since Sept. 2 have resulted in flash flooding across Andalusia, Catalonia, Castile and Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, and Valencia autonomous communities as of early Sept. 5. Authorities have confirmed three fatalities near Toledo City in Castilla-La Mancha Autonomous Community due to floodwaters. At least three others remain missing in Aldea del Fresno, Villamanta, and near Toledo City. Officials ordered residents in Alcanar in Tarragona Province to stay in their homes and move to the upper floors following severe flooding Sept. 3.
Authorities had suspended multiple subway services in affected areas and high-speed rail services to southern cities; most services resumed early Sept. 4. Road travel is also affected in the Madrid region after floods damaged roads and bridges. Emergency crews built a bailey bridge in Aldea del Fresno to reestablish connection to the area.
The severe weather and consequent flooding will likely continue to disrupt transport 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.
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.
