Spain: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing across parts of Catalonia Autonomous Community as of Nov. 4

Disruptions are ongoing amid severe weather across parts of Catalonia Autonomous Community as of Nov. 4. Heavy rainfall has been impacting the region in recent days associated with the same low-pressure system that has triggered widespread flooding and disruptions across parts of the country since late October, including causing over 200 fatalities in parts of Valencia Autonomous Community. Further heavy downpours are forecast across much of central and southern Catalonia Nov. 4 and will linger in southern parts of the region Nov. 5. All services have been suspended on the Rodalies de Catalunya rail system Nov. 4, the region's main commuter service, with the exception of the RL3 line between Lleida and Cervera. Several roads across the region have been blocked due to flooding and landslides. At least 17 flights have been diverted and several others delayed at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) due to the adverse weather, and flooding has been reported in the Terminal 1 building and other facilities at the airport. Civil protection authorities have issued warnings to residents in Baix Llobregat, Barcelones, Garraf, Maresme, Valles Occidental, and Valles Oriental comarques (counties), urging people to limit movement and avoid approaching riverbanks or ravines. More than 400 schools and several universities are closed across affected parts of the region.

The State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Nov. 4:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Coastal areas of Barcelona Province.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Adjacent inland areas of Barcelona Province and coastal and adjacent inland areas of Tarragona Province.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings: Across the rest of central and southern Catalonia Autonomous Community.

Further yellow heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings are in place for parts of Tarragona Province Nov. 5. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 further 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.