27 Feb 2023 | 07:16 AM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the mainland and the Balearics through at least March 2
Severe weather forecast across parts of Spain through at least March 2. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across parts of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least March 2. As of Feb. 27, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Red snow storm warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on Mallorca Island where 40 cm (16 inches) of accumulated snowfall in 24-hours is forecast at elevations above 400 meters (1,312 feet). Minor snowfall accumulations are forecast at elevations 200-400 meters (656-1,312 feet).
Orange snow storm warnings: parts of Cantabria Autonomous Community.
Orange rough sea warnings: most of the Balearic Islands and Catalonia Autonomous Community.
Orange strong wind warnings: most of the Balearic Islands.
Orange low-temperature warnings: Aragon, Castile and Leon, Castilla–La Mancha, Catalonia, Community of Madrid, and Navarre autonomous communities.
Yellow warnings: most of the rest of Spain.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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.
Transport
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.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
