22 Mar 2022 | 03:40 PM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across southern, eastern, and western regions through at least March 24 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across parts of southern, eastern, and western Spain through at least March 24. Possible disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across parts of southern, eastern, and western Spain through at least March 24. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas are forecast across parts of Andalusia, Aragon, Castile La Mancha, Catalonia, Murcia, and Valencia autonomous communities, with snowstorms possible in southeastern Aragon Autonomous Community. In the west, rainfall is likely in southern Castile and Leon Autonomous Community March 22, and snowstorms are forecast in southern Castile and Leon and northern Extremadura autonomous communities March 23.
As of March 22, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings March 22-24:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Andalusia Autonomous Community.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of southern and southeastern Andalusia, southeastern Aragon, southern Castile and Leon, southeastern Castile La Mancha, southern Catalonia, Murcia, and central and northern Valencia autonomous communities.
Yellow snowstorm warnings: Parts of southeastern Aragon, southern Castile and Leon, and northern Extremadura autonomous communities.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of southern, southeastern, and northeastern Andalusia Autonomous Community.
Yellow coastal warnings: Across the southern and southeastern coastline.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. 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. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port and ferry operations or close beach fronts. 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.
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.
