07 Feb 2023 | 10:14 AM UTC
Spain: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the mainland and the Balearics through at least Feb. 9
Severe weather forecast across parts of Spain through at least Feb. 9. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather associated with a storm system named Isaack by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is forecast across parts of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands through at least Feb. 9. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, snow storms in elevated areas, strong winds, cold temperatures, and rough seas are forecast to affect parts of the country over the coming days, with eastern regions likely to be the worst-affected. Snowfall is expected in elevated parts of eastern and northeastern Spain, as well as some isolated areas of higher terrain in north-central and southern Spain. The heaviest rainfall is expected in parts of southern Andalusia, southeastern Aragon, southern Catalonia, and northwestern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as northeastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands. Rainfall totals of up to 10 cm (4 inches) are expected in these areas. Strong winds are forecast along the eastern and northeastern coast and rough seas are likely across the east coast, parts of the northwest coast, and around the Balearic Islands. Cold temperatures are expected across north-central and parts of northern Spain.
As of Feb. 7, AEMET has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange heavy rainfall warning (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of southern Andalusia, southeastern Aragon, southern Catalonia, and northwestern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as northeastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Orange snow storm warnings: Elevated parts of southeastern Aragon, northern Catalonia, and northwestern Valencia autonomous communities.
Orange rough sea warnings: Across the northeast and parts of the east coasts, as well as the coasts of Menorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of north-central Andalusia, northeastern and southern Catalonia, and northeastern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as the autonomous city of Ceuta and across Menorca and parts of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Northeastern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow snow storm warnings: Parts of eastern Andalusia, southern Aragon, eastern Castile and Leon, central, northern, and southern Catalonia, southern La Rioja, and western Valencia autonomous communities.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Across coastal regions of Catalonia and northeastern and eastern Valencia autonomous communities, as well as Menorca and northern Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow rough sea warnings: Across the coastal waters of Galicia and the coastal waters of Valencia not under orange warnings, as well as the coasts of Formentera, Ibiza, and parts of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.
Yellow cold temperature warnings: Across much of north-central Spain and Pyrenean areas of northern 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.
