The VENTCAT plan will remain in alert phase until Thursday, March 26 due to the strong wind episode affecting a large part of Catalonia and which may gain intensity in the coming hours, especially in Terres de l'Ebre, L'Empordà and the high areas of the Pyrenees.
The technical committee of the plan met at noon on Wednesday and agreed to keep the device activated given an adverse weather forecast that will extend at least until Thursday. The situation also puts the focus on several regions of Ponent, where the wind will begin to strengthen throughout the day.
The wind strengthens in Ponent, the south and the northeast
The Meteorological Service of Catalonia predicts an intensification of the wind in Segrià and Pla d'Urgell, in addition to Terres de l'Ebre and Baix Camp. During Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, the episode will also reach Alt Empordà, one of the areas with the most severe forecasts.
In the Alt Empordà, gusts that can exceed 100 km/h are expected, with north and west component wind. Looking ahead to Thursday, the impact will also extend to the Pyrenees and the Pre-Pyrenees.
In high altitudes of Ripollès, Pallars Sobirà and Alta Ribagorça, forecasts point to wind gusts of more than 90 km/h. Throughout Thursday the impact will continue in Alt and Baix Empordà, where the tramuntana will increase during the day.
Strong swell forecast on the Empordà coast
The episode will not be limited to the interior. From Wednesday night until Friday, strong swell is also expected on the Empordà coast, with special attention to the north of Cap de Creus and Cap de Begur.
At these points, the waves could exceed 2.5 meters, a scenario that forces extreme caution on the coast, especially in areas exposed to wind and swell.
Recommendations of Civil Protection
Civil Protection asks for maximum caution both in mobility and in outdoor activities. Among the recommendations conveyed to the population is collecting awnings and removing from balconies and facades any object that may fall due to the effect of the wind.
Also advises avoiding wooded areas and staying away from unstable elements on public roads. On the road, the recommendation is to increase attention, especially during overtakes and maintaining a greater safety distance between vehicles.
The agency also insists on postponing leisure activities in natural environments or on the coast when safety conditions cannot be guaranteed, especially in the most exposed points. With this scenario, the alert remains active awaiting the evolution of the wind during the next hours.