Civil Protection has activated the alert phase of the VENTCAT plan given the forecast of very strong wind gusts during Sunday, March 15 in several counties of the northern half of Catalonia. The warning especially affects Ripollès and Alt Empordà, where the highest records are expected.
Gusts of extreme wind in Ripollès and Alt Empordà
According to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, in Ripollès gusts could exceed 126 km/h, while in Alt Empordà values above 90 km/h are expected. The episode will concentrate between Sunday morning and afternoon, with wind from the north and west component, and greater incidence at high altitudes.
The geographical distribution of the impact will be wide, with an estimated extent between 30% and 70% within the warned areas. The most severe warnings, of orange level, have been issued for Empordà, Ripollès and Berguedà.
Swell and risk on the Empordà coast
The wind storm will be accompanied by strong swell on the Empordà coast. The poor sea conditions will impact Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà, especially north of Cap de Creus and at Cap de Begur. Meteocat has activated yellow level warnings for rough seas along the entire affected coastal strip.
The Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya warns of a high probability of torb in high altitudes of the north of the country, a phenomenon that can significantly reduce visibility.
Snow and wintry atmosphere in the Pyrenees
The forecast indicates that more than 20 centimeters of snow can accumulate above 1,200 meters in the Vall d"Aran and in the Pallars Sobirà. Meteocat has activated warnings for snow and wind across the entire Pyrenees range, with special attention to Sunday, considered the most adverse of the episode.
For Saturday, two yellow level warnings are maintained for snow accumulation in Vall d"Aran and Pallars Sobirà. The front will leave at least two days of widespread showers, storms, hail episodes, a drop in the snow level, strong winds, and a drop in temperatures.
"The forecasts point to a weekend with winter weather in Catalonia" - Spokesperson, Meteocat
Recommendations of Civil Protection and Meteocat
Civil Protection recommends exercising extreme caution in mobility and outdoor activities, especially during Sunday morning and afternoon. It is advised to retract awnings and remove from facades and balconies objects that may fall, such as flowerpots or clotheslines.
- Avoid heavily wooded areas and exercise extreme caution near urban furniture, unstable walls, or signage.
- Check traffic conditions and monitor lateral and safety distances when traveling by vehicle, especially when overtaking.
- Postpone, whenever possible, outdoor leisure activities in wooded areas and on the coast.
- The recommendation to postpone activities is especially directed at collective or group activities with minors or vulnerable people.
"We ask to be prudent in outdoor activities" - Spokesperson, Meteocat
The meteorological episode keeps the emergency services and Civil Protection on alert given the forecast of a Sunday marked by wind, snow, and rough seas in a good part of northern Catalonia.