Damaging winds to whip across France, Spain from Friday into Sunday

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather meteorologist

February 2,2017, 10:49:12PM,EST

 

A series of storms from the Atlantic will unleash multiple rounds of powerful winds to France, Spain and neighboring Portugal through the first weekend of February.
Locations across northern Spain, northern Portugal and western and central France will be at the greatest risk for travel disruption as powerful winds blast the region each day through Sunday.
The strongest winds will blast northwestern France through Friday before shifting southward. These winds will graze Paris later on Friday, producing gusts of 65 to 72 km/h (40 to 45 mph) and possibly resulting in some travel delays and isolated power outages.
Strong winds will also lash Madrid from Friday into Sunday. Gusts of 65 to 80 km/h (40 to 50 mph) are possible each day with higher gusts in the mountains to the north of the city.

In coastal locations in western France, northern Spain and northwestern Portugal, wind gusts could reach 130 km/h (81 mph) during the height of the storm. Winds of this magnitude can result in widespread power outages and damage to trees and homes.
"The winds can ground planes for a time and threaten to knock over high-profile vehicles," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
Along with the threat for damaging winds, wind-driven rain will pound the same communities each day.
Related:
France Weather Center
Western Europe Weather Radar
Spain Weather Center
The greatest threat for flooding will be across northern Portugal and northwestern Spain where rainfall totals of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) will be common with local amounts exceeding 200 mm (8 inches).
Locations in western and central France can expect 25-75 mm (1-3 inches) of rain through Sunday, prompting localized flooding.

“These storms will also bring a high risk for coastal flooding, especially during high tide,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
“Dangerous seas will also persist across the Bay of Biscay through Sunday with waves over 9 meters (30 feet) at times,” Roys added.
Additional unsettled weather is expected across France and Spain next week. However, the threat for damaging winds and flooding will lessen.