02 Sep 2021 | 08:32 AM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across northern and eastern regions through at least Sept. 3
Thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast across portions of northern and eastern Spain through at least Sept. 3.
Event
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across portions of northern and eastern Spain through at least Sept. 3. The affected area includes portions of Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, northeastern Basque Country, Cantabria, northern Castilla La Mancha, eastern Castilla and Leon, Catalonia, La Rioja, Navarra, and northern Valencia. Authorities have issued orange-level warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across portions of northeastern Catalonia, southeastern Aragon, and the northern Balearic Islands. Additionally, yellow-level warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are in place across the remainder of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Alcanar Town in northeastern Catalonia Sept. 1. Authorities evacuated around 32 people. Around 5,000 homes lost power and telecommunications were affected. Further rainfall could hinder clean-up efforts and exacerbate the situation.
Hazardous Conditions
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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port and ferry operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. The high-speed rail between Madrid and Toledo was halted due to heavy rain and flooding. Services between Tarancon and Huete on the Aranjuez-Cuenca section and Carinena on the Teruel-Zaragoza line are also suspended.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
