Spain/France/Portugal

28 February 2018

Spain/France/Portugal: Storm Emma threatens travel delays

Heavy rain, snow, and strong winds are expected in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and France this week, as a result of storm Emma, according to AccuWeather.

Much of Portugal and Spain will receive downpours from today, February 27, with conditions worsening tomorrow and Thursday as storm Emma approaches, drenching Portugal and northwest Spain. On Friday, a second storm will bring additional rainfall to the peninsula, with a third storm arriving at the weekend, increasing the likelihood of floods and mudslides.

Wind speeds of 50-65km/h are expected, with local gusts rising as high as 80-100km/h.

Meanwhile, France is at risk of accumulating snowfall, as Arctic air from Siberia has seen temperatures drop across much of western Europe.

A prolonged period of moderate snowfall from tomorrow and into Thursday – 8-15cm – is expected from Nantes to Paris and Dijon. Snowfall is forecast down to the Mediterranean coast, including Montpellier, Marseille, and Nice.

Significant travel disruptions are expected as a result.