Spain: Adverse weather forecast across northeastern and far northern regions through at least Oct. 18

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northeastern and far northern Spain through at least Oct. 18. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across the affected area Oct. 17 and will persist in some areas Oct. 18. 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.

As of Oct. 17, the State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of central Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Much of Catalonia and parts of northern Aragon autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of central Aragon, southern Catalonia, and northern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow coastal warnings: The southern coast of Catalonia Autonomous Community.

Further yellow heavy rainfall warnings have been issued across parts of far northeastern and far northern Spain Oct. 18, as well as yellow strong wind and coastal warnings around the southern coast of Catalonia 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 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.