A severe Catalonia windstorm has caused widespread travel disruption this Saturday. Consequently, the Generalitat has enforced emergency restrictions on the AP-7 motorway and suspended rail services in the region’s south.
Following a morning of chaos on the roads, the Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT) has prohibited heavy goods vehicles weighing over 7,500 kilograms from using the AP-7 throughout Tarragona province. This restriction applies from the border with Castellón up to L’Arboç municipality.
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AP-7 accidents and closures during the Catalonia windstorm
The restrictions follow a difficult start to the day on Catalonia’s main mobility artery. A truck overturned due to strong winds at l’Hospitalet de l’Infant (Baix Camp), forcing the closure of that motorway section.
Similar complications occurred in l’Ametlla de Mar. There, fallen trees and a secondary accident further impeded traffic. With hurricane-force gusts continuing to lash southern regions, authorities removed heavy transport from the road to prevent further overturns.
Rail cuts and emergency response to the windstorm
The storm has also impacted the railway network. The R-16 Rodalies line has been suspended between Tortosa, L’Aldea, and Amposta in the Ebro region. Meanwhile, traffic on the RT1 line is also affected by the adverse conditions.
Throughout the morning, the Generalitat’s Firefighters (Bombers) have responded to nearly 300 incidents. The majority involved removing fallen trees, securing unstable facade elements, and dealing with detached solar panels. Additionally, several parked vehicles and traffic signs have been damaged by flying debris.
Red alert weather warnings for the Catalonia windstorm
Meteocat, the Catalan meteorological service, has raised the risk level to red (six out of six) in response to the extreme conditions. Wind gusts have been recorded at staggering speeds:
- 147 km/h in Mas de Barberans
- 140 km/h in Portbou (Girona)
- 114 km/h in El Perelló and Miami Platja
In the Ebro area, power lines have been temporarily disconnected from infrastructure as a safety precaution. This action was taken due to the intensity of the gale, particularly in the Baix Ebre zone.
Carnival events suspended due to the windstorm
Although winds are expected to subside by late afternoon, Civil Protection has requested that affected municipalities suspend Carnival parades and outdoor activities planned for Saturday. Furthermore, residents in non-affected areas are urged to secure outdoor furniture to prevent items from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Authorities have activated the Vencat and Procicat emergency plans at alert level, alongside the Ferrocat plan for railway disruptions. In addition, alerts remain in place for rough seas on the northern coast and snow in the Vall d’Aran, where blizzards are expected.
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