Portugal, Spain: Adverse weather forecast across the Iberian Peninsula and some island regions through at least early Oct. 10

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of Portugal and Spain through at least early Oct. 10. Hurricane Kirk has transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic Ocean and is forecast to pass north of the Azores Oct. 8 before moving inland over continental Europe just north of the Iberian Peninsula early Oct. 9. The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas across the region over the coming days.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has also issued a special information bulletin regarding the effects of Kirk. The bulletin warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas in the Azores early Oct. 8 before weather conditions start to deteriorate across mainland Portugal from late afternoon Oct. 8. The heaviest rainfall is expected in northern areas of mainland Portugal late Oct. 8-early Oct. 9. Winds gusting up to 110 kph (68 mph) are possible in mountainous areas of central and northern Portugal and up to 95 kph (59 mph) in northern coastal areas. Waves up to 12 meters (39 feet) are possible off the Atlantic coastline.

The Spanish State Meteorological Service (AEMET) has issued a special advisory regarding the storm system and warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds along the Galician and Cantabrian coasts Oct. 8-9. Rainfall will spread across northwestern Spain Oct. 9 and strong winds will affect much of the country, with gusts up to 120 kph (75 mph) possible in the higher elevations of northern and northwestern Spain. Rough seas are expected along the northwestern coastline.

The respective meteorological institutes have issued the following warnings across both countries Oct. 8-9:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Braga and Viana do Castelo districts in Portugal.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Across much of northwestern and parts of northern Spain and Braga, Porto, and Viana do Castelo districts in Portugal.

• Orange rough sea warnings: Across the coast of northwestern Spain, the coasts of the central and western Azores, and the entire coastline of mainland Portugal.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of northwestern and far southern Castile and Leon, northern Extremadura, and central, northern, and western Galicia autonomous communities in Spain and Aveiro, Porto, Vila Real, and Viseu districts in Portugal.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across central and parts of northern, far southern, and western mainland Spain, the western and central Azores, and Aveiro, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Vila Real, and Viseu districts in Portugal.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Parts of the eastern and southeastern coasts of mainland Spain, the coasts of the Balearic Islands, the coasts of northern Madeira, and the eastern Azores.

Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming 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 located 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 possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.

The severe weather may cause transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows could 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 may temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather may trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in storm-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.