Spain: Adverse weather forecast across eastern, east-central, and northeastern regions through at least Oct. 27

Severe weather is forecast across parts of eastern, east-central, and northeastern Spain through at least Oct. 27. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across the affected area Oct. 25-26 and rainfall will persist in parts of the Balearic Islands Oct. 27. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

The State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Oct. 25-27:

Oct. 25

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Across Navarre and La Rioja. much of Catalonia, and parts of northeastern Andalucia, northern and southeastern Aragon, eastern Castile and Leon, eastern Castile-La Mancha, northeastern and northwestern Murcia, and northern and western Valencia autonomous communities.

Oct. 26

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Coastal area of Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: The rest of Catalonia, across the Balearic Islands, and parts of northern Aragon, northeastern Basque Country, eastern and southeastern Castile-La Mancha, northeastern Murcia, northern Navarre, and central and northern Valencia autonomous community.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the Balearic Islands and Catalonia and parts of northern Aragon, eastern and southeastern Castile-La Mancha, northeastern Murcia, and central and northern Valencia autonomous community.

Oct. 27

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Formentera, Ibiza, and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

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 rainfall 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. The disruptive weather may cause some 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.