Spain: Severe weather forecast across mainland regions through at least Sept. 21 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across much of mainland Spain through at least Sept. 21. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely over the coming days; strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The State Agency of Meteorology (Agencia Estatal de Meteorlogia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the country Sep. 19-21:

Sept. 19

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Northern coastal areas of Valencia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid, much of Castile and Leon, Extremadura, and Valencia, and parts of northern Andalucia, northern and southern Aragon, southern Cantabria, northern and southern Catalonia, and southern La Rioja autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Much of Castile and Leon and Extremadura and parts of northern Andalucia, southern Cantabria, central, southern, and western Castilla-La Mancha, and southern La Rioja autonomous communities.

Sept. 20

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Southern coastal areas of Catalonia and northern coastal areas of Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across La Rioja and parts of northern Andalucia, northern and southern Aragon, southern Asturias, western Basque Country, central and southern Cantabria, eastern and northern Castile and Leon, southwestern Castilla-La Mancha, southern Catalonia, southern Galicia, central and southern Navarre, and northern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across La Rioja and parts of northern Andalucia, southern Asturias, western Basque Country, central and southern Cantabria, eastern and northern Castile and Leon, southern Galicia, and central and southern Navarre autonomous communities.

Sept. 21

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northern Aragon Autonomous Community.

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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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. Flight delays and cancellations at airports 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.