Spain: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the mainland and the Balearic Islands through at least Jan. 20

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least Jan. 20. A storm system named Juan by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is expected to bring snowfall and cold temperatures across elevated parts of northern and central mainland Spain and rainfall to parts of central, southwestern, and western mainland Spain and the Balearics. Thunderstorms are possible in southwestern regions. Strong winds are also forecast in southern regions and rough seas are expected in most coastal areas. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in northern and north-central regions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Flooding is possible in areas where heavy rainfall is forecast and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the country Jan. 19:

• Orange snowstorm warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Elevated parts of western Aragon and central and eastern Castile and Leon autonomous communities.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of eastern Andalucia Autonomous Community.

• Orange rough sea warnings: Parts of the eastern and southern coastline of mainland Spain.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Elevated parts of Aragon, Castile and Leon, northern Castilla-La Mancha, northern Catalonia, La Rioja, northern Madrid, and southern Navarre autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across Extremadura and parts of southern and western Andalucia, the western Balearic Islands, southwestern Castile and Leon, northern Catilla-La Mancha, and southern Madrid autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of southwestern Andalucia Autonomous Community and Ceuta Autonomous City.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of central and southeastern Andalucia Autonomous Community and Ceuta Autonomous City.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across much of the rest of the coastline of mainland Spain not under orange warnings, as well as much of the coastline of the Balearic Islands and Ceuta and Melilla autonomous cities.

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

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.