Spain: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 28

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of Spain through at least Feb. 28. Snowfall is expected in elevated areas of the interior of northern Spain and some elevated areas of central, eastern, and southern Spain. Heavy rainfall is expected at lower elevations in parts of northern Spain and strong winds and rough seas are expected across many parts of mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in elevated parts of northern Spain 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.

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the country Feb. 26:

• Orange snowstorm warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Elevated inland parts of Asturias and Cantabria and elevated areas of northern Castile and Leon and northeastern Navarre autonomous communities.

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

• Orange rough sea warnings: Across the northern and northwestern coastlines of mainland Spain and parts of the southeastern coastline.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Elevated parts of northeastern Andalucia, northern and southern Aragon, western Asturias, southern Basque Country, southwestern and southern Cantabria, eastern, northern, and southern Castile and Leon, northwestern Catalonia, eastern Galicia, southern La Rioja, and northern Madrid autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of interior Asturias, eastern Basque Country, interior Cantabria, northeastern Catalonia, and central and northern Navarre autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of southeastern Andalucia, southern Aragon, southern Basque Country, southern and western Cantabria, eastern, northern, and southern Castile and Leon, far northern Castilla-La Mancha, southern Catalonia, southern La Rioja, northern Madrid, northern Murcia, and northern Valencia autonomous communities, the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, parts of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, and parts of the Canary Islands.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across parts of the eastern and southern coastlines of mainland Spain, all coastal areas in the Balearic Islands, the coasts of Ceuta and Melilla autonomous cities, and the southern coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Further orange and yellow snowfall, rainfall, strong wind, and coastal warnings are in place across parts of the country Feb. 27-28. 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.