A new storm, named 'Nils' by the French Meteorological Service, is hitting the Iberian Peninsula, bringing heavy winds, maritime tempests, and extensive rainfall. This hurricane represents the eighth storm to affect Spain so far this year. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warns that the storm will not only bring rain but also snow, predominantly at higher elevations. As a precaution, AEMET has issued alerts for 16 autonomous communities in Spain, with nine of them on orange alert due to the expected intensity of the weather conditions.

The affected communities include Andalusia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Galicia, the Region of Murcia, the Basque Country, and the Valencian Community, with only the Canary Islands spared from Nils' direct impact. The deterioration in weather conditions, characterized by persistent rainfall and heavy winds, raises concerns over rising water levels in rivers across the country. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as rivers approach critical thresholds, highlighting the need for preparation and caution among residents living near these waterways.

As the storm progresses, the potential for additional warnings regarding flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards increases. Emergency services are anticipating a busy period as they prepare for the impacts of this latest bout of severe weather. With 16 regions facing alerts, the implications of storm Nils emphasize the ongoing challenges that extreme weather poses to Spain's infrastructure and public safety, especially in areas historically vulnerable to flooding and other climate impacts.