Spain: Severe weather and related disruptions ongoing across the Balearic Islands Sept. 23

Severe weather is ongoing across much of the Balearic Islands Sept. 23. The State Agency of Meteorology (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Mallorca and yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings across the rest of the Balearic Islands Sept. 23. Amid the ongoing adverse weather, a handful of flights due to arrive at Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) have been diverted to other airports in the Balearic Islands and dozens of other arrivals and departures have been delayed. Lingering disruptions are likely over the coming hours as airport officials work to clear the backlog of flights.

Further 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.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities may temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Further flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region are possible.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.