Storm Nils has left its mark on Barcelona’s most iconic landmark. Consequently, gale-force winds displaced a Sagrada Família roof panel on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Sagrada Família basilica.
The city has been battered by historic gusts exceeding 100 km/h. These winds caused widespread disruption. On Thursday, 12 February, the storm’s impact reached the basilica itself. Therefore, authorities triggered a security protocol after structural elements were affected.
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Sagrada Família roof panel scare on Carrer de Mallorca
According to basilica sources, the incident involved a panel on the temple’s roof. Specifically, the panel faced Carrer de Mallorca. The gale’s force caused the Sagrada Família roof panel to shift.
Officials described the movement as “slight”. However, the situation required an immediate response to ensure public safety. There were concerns the loose panel could detach. Consequently, emergency protocols were activated.
Specialist climbers deployed to secure roof panel
To secure the structure, a team of high-altitude specialists was deployed. These operatives are employed by the Sagrada Família. Their objective was to secure the displaced Sagrada Família roof panel and reattach it firmly.
The operation required coordination with external emergency services. Units from the Barcelona Fire Brigade and the Guàrdia Urbana arrived. Police temporarily closed traffic on Carrer de Mallorca. This action protected pedestrians and drivers during the securing manoeuvres.
Situation normalised after intervention
Fortunately, the incident was resolved without injury or significant damage. Temple sources confirmed no major incident nor any personal damage occurred. Following the climbers’ intervention and a safety verification, traffic was restored. The area around the basilica has now returned to normal.
The scare at the basilica is one of many incidents reported across the Catalan capital. Firefighters have attended hundreds of calls regarding unstable façades. Meanwhile, the storm has resulted in five injuries across Barcelona, two of them serious.
Emergency phase deactivated as winds subside
As the winds begin to subside, the Generalitat has declared the end of the storm’s most critical phase. Following a VENTCAT technical committee meeting, the government lifted mobility restrictions. These restrictions had affected the Barcelonès area and surrounding counties.
Civil Protection activated the ES-Alert system for the second time to communicate the change. The mandatory travel ban, originally scheduled until 20:00, was lifted early. However, authorities continue to urge “extreme caution”. Citizens are advised to avoid wooded areas and unnecessary travel while emergency services finish securing affected zones.
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