Spain: Severe weather forecast across eastern, northeastern, and southern coastal regions and the Balearic Islands through at least Nov. 16 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across eastern, northeastern, and southern coastal regions of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least Nov. 16. The State Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, AEMET) has issued a special weather phenomenon advisory warning that a weather system will bring unstable weather across peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands through Nov. 16. The heaviest rainfall is forecast along the Mediterranean coasts of eastern, northeastern, and southern mainland Spain, as well as the Balearic Islands; rainfall totals in excess of 10 cm (4 inches) are possible in these areas. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Parts of Valencia Autonomous Community are still recovering from severe flooding that impacted the region late October and caused over 200 fatalities; additional downpours may hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Nov. 13-14:

Nov. 13

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): most of the Balearic Islands, parts of south central Andalusia Autonomous Community, parts of east central Valencia Autonomous Community, and parts of southern Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and warnings: most of the rest of eastern and south central Spain.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Across most of the coast of Catalonia Autonomous Community and Valencia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Across most of the coast of Catalonia Autonomous Community, parts of the coasts of the Balearic Islands, and most of the coast of Valencia Autonomous Community.

Nov. 14

• Red heavy rainfall warnings: Malaga Municipality in Andalusia Autonomous Community and Tarragona Municipality in Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: the rest of south central Andalusia Autonomous Community, parts of east central Valencia Autonomous Community, and the rest of southern Catalonia Autonomous Community.

• Yellow heavy rainfall and warnings: most of the rest of eastern and south central Spain.

• Yellow coastal warnings: Across most of the coast of Catalonia Autonomous Community and Valencia Autonomous Community.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Authorities have ordered the preventative evacuation of residents along the banks of the Guadalhorce River, including Alora, Cartama, Alhaurin de la Torre, Pizarra, Cerralba, and Malaga. Schools across Granada and Malaga cities are closed Nov. 13.

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 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.