Spain: Severe weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 31

Severe weather is forecast across much of Spain through at least Oct. 31, with heavy rainfall likely to particularly impact eastern parts of the country. The State Agency of Meteorology (Agencia Estatal de Meteorlogia, AEMET) has issued a special advisory warning that a storm system will remain stationary over the region during the coming days, bringing widespread rainfall over Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands. The worst of the severe weather is forecast in northeastern and southeastern regions Oct. 28 and eastern and northeastern regions Oct. 29. Daily rainfall totals of over 15 cm (6 inches) are possible in some areas. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the country Oct. 28-30:

Oct. 28

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of eastern, southeastern, and southern Andalucia, southern Catalonia, western Mucria, and northern Valencia autonomous communities and the autonomous city of Ceuta.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of eastern and southern Andalucia, central, eastern, and southeastern Aragon, southeastern Castile-La Mancha, northeastern, south-central, and southwestern Catalonia, and central, northwestern, and southern Murcia autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of eastern, southeastern. and southern Andalucia, southeastern Castile-La Mancha, northeastern and southern Catalonia, central, northwestern, southern, and western Murcia, and northeastern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of southeastern Andalucia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Parts of the northeastern and southeastern coastlines of mainland Spain and the coast of Melilla Autonomous City.

Oct. 29

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of western Valencia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across Murcia and the rest of Valencia and parts of eastern, southeastern, and southern Andalucia, southern Aragon, eastern and southeastern Castile-La Mancha, and northeastern and southern Catalonia autonomous communities.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Murcia and Valencia and parts of eastern, southeastern, and southern Andalucia, eastern and southeastern Castile-La Mancha, and northeastern and southern Catalonia autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of southeastern Andalucia and western Valencia autonomous communities and Ibiza and Formentera in the Balearic Islands.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Much of the eastern, northeastern, and southeastern coastlines of mainland Spain and parts of the Balearic Island's coasts.

Oct. 30

• 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 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.