Spain: Adverse weather forecast across northern and eastern regions through at least Dec. 10

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of northern and eastern Spain through at least Dec. 10. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special weather bulletin advising a storm system will cause snowfall, dropping temperatures, rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas across parts of northern peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands over the coming days. Snowfall is expected to occur over elevated areas of northern Spain, with accumulations of more than 40 cm (16 inches) possible in the Cantabrian and Pyrenees mountain ranges Dec. 8-9. Winds gusting over 100 kph (62 mph) are possible in places, and rough seas are likely along the northern and eastern coastlines of mainland Spain and in the Balearic Islands. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in elevated parts of northern Spain due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Flooding is possible in areas where heavy rainfall occurs and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the country Dec. 7-8:

Dec. 7

• Orange snowstorm warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Elevated parts of northern Aragon and far northwestern Catalonia autonomous communities.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of southern Catalonia and northern Valencia autonomous communities and across Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

• Orange rough sea warnings: Across the Balearic Islands, much of the northern coastline, and parts of the northeastern coastline.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Elevated parts of southern Asturias, northwestern Castile and Leon, northern Catalonia, and northeastern Navarre autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across La Rioja, the rest of the Balearic Islands not under orange wind warnings, much of the rest of Catalonia, much of Navarre, and parts of central, eastern, and northern Aragon, eastern and northern Basque Country, northern Cantabria, eastern, northern, and southern Castile and Leon, far northern Castilla-La Mancha, northern Madrid, and northern Valencia autonomous communities.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Parts of the northeastern and northwestern coastlines.

Dec. 8

• Orange snowstorm warning: Elevated parts of northern Aragon, southern Asturias, northwestern Castile and Leon, far northwestern Catalonia, and northeastern Navarre autonomous communities.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Parts of northern Aragon, northern and southern Catalonia, and northern Valencia autonomous communities and across Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

• Orange rough sea warnings: Across the Balearic Islands and parts of the eastern, northern, and northeastern mainland coastlines.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Elevated parts of eastern and northern Castile and Leon, northern Catalonia, and southern La Rioja autonomous communities.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: The rest of the Balearic Islands and Aragon not under orange wind warnings and parts of northern Basque Country, eastern, northern, and southern Castile and Leon, far northern Castilla-La Mancha, northeastern, northwestern, and western Catalonia, northern Madrid, and southern la Rioja autonomous communities.

• Yellow rough sea warnings: Across the northwestern and parts of the eastern and northeastern coastlines.

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

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.