Spain: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least June 29 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across much of mainland Spain through at least June 29. A storm system moving over the Iberian Peninsula is expected to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across interior regions of the mainland over the coming days. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours producing 1.5-3 cm (0.6-1.2 inches) of rainfall per hour are expected in the affected areas and may trigger flooding in low-lying areas. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

The State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area June 27-29:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of central and eastern Castile and Leon Autonomous Community June 28.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across Extremadura and parts of central Andalucia, western Castile and Leon, and southern and southeastern Galicia autonomous community June 27; much of Castile and Leon and parts of central Andalucia, western Castile-La Mancha, eastern and northern Extremadura, southeastern Galicia, and southern La Rioja autonomous communities June 28; across La Rioja, much of Navarre, and part of northern and western Aragon, eastern Castile and Leon, and northwestern Catalonia autonomous communities June 29.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Extremadura and parts of central Andalucia, western Castile and Leon, and southern and southeastern Galicia autonomous community June 27; much of Castile and Leon not under orange warnings and parts of central Andalucia, southern Aragon, eastern and western Castile-La Mancha, eastern and northern Extremadura, southeastern Galicia, southern La Rioja, and far western Valencia autonomous communities June 28; across La Rioja, much of Navarre, and part of northern and western Aragon, eastern Castile and Leon, and northwestern Catalonia autonomous communities June 29.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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. Where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks, disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible.

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. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Localized business disruptions are possible in areas impacted by severe weather; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.