Madrid, Spain - Storm Laurence has caused significant disruption across Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia, where heavy rainfall led to river overflows and the closure of roads and rail lines on Monday, according to local authorities.

Andalusian regional councilor Antonio Sanz reported "168 incidents, some of them significant in terms of communications," in a recording released on social media. He specified that 35 roads were closed in the region and urged people to avoid travel "unless necessary and essential."

The Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts that Storm Laurence will bring "abundant rainfall in the southwestern peninsula and areas of the Mediterranean area" as well as "storms, very strong winds, and maritime storms, which will be significant in the Canary Islands."

Andalusia was placed under an orange alert, the second-highest level, starting at 6:00 PM local time on Monday. Around 80 millimeters of rain, equivalent to 80 liters per square meter, are expected in the Ronda and Malaga regions within twelve hours.

The Seville-Malaga train line was disrupted due to water accumulation on the tracks, according to railway network manager Adif.

Storm Laurence is also expected to bring significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada ski resort near Granada, where there is a high risk of avalanches.

Spain, which experienced a prolonged drought period between 2021 and 2024, has been facing a succession of intense rainy episodes in recent weeks. While these rains have caused some flooding, there have been no reported casualties.

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