Spain: Severe weather forecast across northeastern regions through at least Sept. 8

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northeastern Spain through at least Sept. 8. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across the region over the coming days. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms.

As of Sept. 6, the State Agency of Meteorology (Agencia Estatal de Meteorlogia, AEMET) has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

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

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northern Aragon, eastern Basque Country, central, northern, and southern Catalonia, central and northwestern Navarre, and far northeastern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of northern Aragon, central and northern Catalonia, and central and northern Navarre autonomous communities.

Further orange and yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings are in place across parts of the region Sept. 7 and remain over some coastal areas of Catalonia Autonomous Community Sept. 8. As weather conditions change over the coming days, authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories.

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.