A severe historic Catalonia windstorm has brought the region to a standstill. Consequently, authorities have suspended commuter trains, cancelled dozens of flights and closed all schools and universities.
Authorities describe this historic Catalonia windstorm as the worst gale in 15 years. It triggered a maximum-level weather alert. Emergency services have fielded over 1,600 calls about fallen trees and debris.
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Transport Chaos: Trains and Flights Grounded by Historic Catalonia Windstorm
The high winds have severely disrupted public transport, particularly the Rodalies rail network. Fallen trees and large debris on the tracks have forced Renfe to suspend shuttle trains on several key lines:
- R4 Line: Suspended between Terrassa and Manresa, and between L’Hospitalet and Sant Feliu de Llobregat.
- R1 Line: Suspended between Blanes and Maçanet. Stations at Premià and Malgrat have been closed entirely due to the risk of falling canopies.
- R11 and RG1 Lines: Interrupted between Girona and Maçanet Massanes.
Where trains are running, speed limits have been reduced to 80 km/h. Meanwhile, authorities are attempting to manage alternative transport services. However, road conditions remain hazardous.
Air travel has also been hit hard. Aena reports that operations at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport are severely affected. Winds are blowing at a sustained 61 km/h with gusts exceeding 90 km/h. Approximately 30 flights have been cancelled so far. Furthermore, four incoming flights have been diverted. Therefore, passengers are strongly advised to check with their airlines before travelling.
Unprecedented Closures and ‘Stay at Home’ Orders
In an unprecedented move, the Generalitat ordered the suspension of all educational activity throughout the region. This includes schools, universities and sports activities. In addition, non-urgent healthcare interventions have been postponed.
Civil Protection sent a mass ‘ES Alert‘ to mobile phones. This was the first ever issued for a wind event. It urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel. The government has also strongly recommended teleworking where possible.
To support this, the Secretary of Labour, Francisco Ramos, issued an instruction. It reminds employees that the Workers’ Statute permits up to four days of paid leave. This applies if accessing the workplace is impossible or unsafe due to official restrictions. More information has been released regarding paid leave for workers unable to commute during the storm.
Historic Severity of the Catalonia Windstorm
Sarai Sarroca, director of the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, issued a warning. She stated the region faces “the most severe wind episode in the last 15 or 20 years.” She compared the intensity to the tragic gales of 2009 in Sant Boi and 2014 in Terrassa. Both of those storms resulted in fatalities.
Emergency crews have already intervened in Vilassar de Mar where a wall collapsed. Meanwhile, truck traffic has been restricted in La Jonquera. Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has asked residents to exercise extreme caution. The storm is expected to peak throughout Thursday morning.
Civil Protection Advice: Residents should close and secure doors and windows. They should also retract awnings and remove flower pots from balconies. Pedestrians must stay well away from cornices, walls and trees.
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