Spain: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions July 1

Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across parts of eastern mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands July 1. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours producing 1.5-4 cm (0.6-1.6 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 July 1:

• Orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southeastern Aragon and central and northern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Orange sea level rise warnings: The coasts of Menorca.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Parts of eastern Aragon, eastern Castile-La Mancha, central, northern, and southern Catalonia, and central and western Valencia autonomous communities, as well as Formentera, Ibiza, and much of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

• Yellow rough sea warnings warnings: Parts of the northeastern Catalonia coast.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

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. 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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. 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.