Civil Protection issued an Es-Alert message to mobile phones across six northern Catalan comarcas this past Saturday. The alert warned residents of severe strong winds and potential blizzards forecast for Sunday. This weather has already led to significant train service suspensions.
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The Generalitat’s Civil Protection agency specifically targeted the Alt Empordà, Berguedà, Garrotxa, Ripollès, Solsonès, and northern Cerdanya comarcas. These areas, located in the Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees regions, face the highest risk. The alert recommends restricting mobility and outdoor activities throughout Sunday.
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Renfe, the national railway operator, confirmed that trains would not circulate on Sunday. Renfe suspended services on the Figueres-Portbou line in Girona and the Vic, Barcelona, to Ripoll, Girona, line, according to Catalonia Civil Protection Alerts. Officials expect these disruptions to last until at least 13:00 on Sunday, pending further weather assessments.
Emergency Alert Issued for Northern Catalonia
Imma Solé, Deputy Director of Civil Protection of the Generalitat, addressed the media regarding the alert. She emphasised the need for public caution, according to Meteocat Official Weather Forecasts. “We ask for prudence due to wind, snow, and swell,” Solé stated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the impending weather.
Meteocat, the Catalan meteorological service, issued a red warning for these comarcas on Saturday. Forecasters expect a wind storm to hit the region on Sunday, with gusts reaching 90 kilometres per hour. Higher altitudes will experience even stronger winds, according to Rodalies de Catalunya Service Updates. The storm will begin on Saturday night, but officials predict its peak intensity between 08:00 and 20:00 on Sunday.
Train Services Halted Amidst Severe Weather
The strong winds will generally affect all of Catalonia. However, the six comarcas subject to the Es-Alert will experience the most significant impact. Meteocat also forecasts strong winds for the Lleida area and the Camp de Tarragona region.
In addition to the wind, heavy snowfall will accompany the storm in the northern Pyrenees. Forecasters predict accumulations of 30 to 40 centimetres are possible. This snowfall, combined with the strong winds, could create blizzard conditions in some high-altitude areas.
Widespread Impact and Safety Recommendations
The Costa Brava, located in Girona, also faces a sea storm. Meteocat has assigned a danger level of four on a scale of six for this coastal area. Forecasters expect waves to exceed 2.5 metres, posing a significant risk to maritime activities and coastal zones.
In response to this severe weather scenario, Civil Protection has activated its Ventcat prevention plan for wind and its territorial protection plan, Procicat. These plans coordinate emergency responses and public safety measures across the region.
Civil Protection has issued several key recommendations to ensure public safety. Residents should secure any loose elements on building facades. They must also avoid garden areas due to the potential for falling branches. Residents must limit activities in natural areas. Drivers should exercise extreme caution, particularly during manoeuvres such as overtaking.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Prudence
Furthermore, authorities advise against approaching breakwaters, jetties, or seafront promenades along the coast. In mountainous regions affected by snowfall, people should remain within designated safe zones, such as ski slopes. These measures aim to minimise risks from the combined threats of wind, snow, and rough seas.
Civil Protection will continue to monitor the weather situation closely. They will provide updates as conditions evolve throughout Sunday. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and follow all official guidance to ensure their safety during this period of adverse weather.
Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.
