Western Mediterranean on alert for flooding rain, mountain snow

Parts of Spain and the western Mediterranean will be at risk for several days of downpours early next week.

A slow-moving storm will spin just off the coast of eastern Spain from Sunday into Wednesday and increase the risk of flash flooding while also bringing high-elevation snowfall to the region.

Locations at risk for for adverse weather include Malaga, Murcia, Valencia, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands.

Rainfall may begin as early as Sunday across eastern Spain with the heaviest rainfall expected from late Sunday into Tuesday.

Locations from Valencia to Almeria will be at risk for downpours on Monday and could face the threat of localized flooding and travel disruptions.

Rainfall may extend as far north as Barcelona by Monday afternoon or evening.

As the storm drifts northward on Tuesday and Wednesday, the heaviest rainfall will shift from southeastern Spain to the central and northern parts of the east coast.

Total rainfall of 50-100 mm (2-4 inches) will be common across eastern Spain with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 200 mm (8 inches).

This magnitude of rainfall can result in flash flooding, significant travel disruptions and also raise the risk of mudslides.

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Madrid is forecast to avoid the worst of this storm; however, if the storm were to track farther west, then a soaking rain would be possible on Wednesday.

The Balearic Islands will also endure a prolonged period of downpours from Monday into Wednesday raising the risk of flooding and the dampening of any holiday plans.

Strong winds accompanying this storm will lash the east coast of Spain and the Balearic Islands from Sunday into Monday.

Frequent wind gusts of 50 km/h (30 mph) are expected each day with peak gusts reaching 80 km/h (50 mph) during the worst of the storm in any given location.

Localized travel delays and power outages will be possible, especially in exposed coastal locations.

Flooding and strong winds will be the most widespread concern, but AccuWeather meteorologists warn that heavy mountain snow is possible across eastern Spain.

The higher elevations of the eastern Baetic Mountains and the eastern Iberian Range will be hit the hardest. Forecasters say local amounts could exceed 30 cm (12 inches) through Wednesday.

A period of dry and tranquil weather may settle across Spain and the western Mediterranean during the second half of next week, but some heavier rain can linger over far northeastern Spain and southern France.

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