Spain: Severe weather forecast across much of the country, especially eastern and southern areas, through at least Oct. 31 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across much of Spain through at least Oct. 31, with heavy rainfall likely to particularly impact eastern and southern parts of the country. Daily rainfall totals of over 15 cm (6 inches) are possible in some areas. Parts of eastern and southern Spain received rainfall totals of up to 30 cm (12 inches) Oct. 29. The adverse weather has reportedly killed several people, with at least seven people missing. Officials have suspended schools and essential services in the worst-affected areas.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

Oct. 30

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla La Mancha, Catalonia, and Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Parts of southeastern Aragon, southern Catalonia, and northwestern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Parts of the northeastern coastline of mainland Spain.

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 will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Flash floods have inundated roads, knocked over bridges, and swept cars away in several areas, including Valencia city, Alzira, L'Alcudia in Valencia Autonomous Community, and Letur in Castilla La Mancha Autonomous Community.

Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flight disruptions were reported at Malaga Airport (AGP) in Andalucia Autonomous Community and Valencia Airport (VLC) in Valencia Autonomous Community Oct. 29-30. Further flight delays and cancellations are probable at regional airports.

Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather conditions caused the derailment of a high-speed train with over 270 people on board near Malaga in Andalusia Autonomous Community Oct. 29; no casualties were reported. Rail operators have suspended high-speed train services between Madrid and Valencia city since Oct. 29.

Localized business disruptions are likely 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.