Spain: Adverse weather forecast across eastern mainland regions and the Balearic Islands through at least Aug. 16

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of eastern mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least Aug. 16. The State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued a weather advisory warning a low-pressure system will bring rainfall and storms to the region over the coming days. The worst weather is forecast in eastern Peninsular Spain Aug. 14, and the Balearic Islands Aug. 14-15; showers and storms may linger in the Balearics Aug. 16 as the system moves away into the Mediterranean Sea. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Aug. 14:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across the Balearic Islands, most of Murcia, and parts of far southeastern Andalucia and central and northern Catalonia autonomous communities.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Across the Balearic Islands, most of Murcia, and parts of far southeastern Andalucia and southern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.

Further orange heavy rainfall and yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the Balearic Islands Aug. 15 and yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings are in place for Mallorca and Menorca Aug. 16. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and 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 rain 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. Disruptive weather may cause 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.