Borrasca Herminia Brings Severe Weather to Northern Spain

As the remnants of the borrasca Éowyn dissipate, Spain is bracing itself for the impact of another powerful storm, borrasca Herminia, which is set to bring extreme weather conditions to the northern regions of the country.

Current Situation and Forecast

Borrasca Herminia, currently situated west of the British Isles, is expected to affect Spain starting Sunday, January 26. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) has issued a special alert warning of very high probabilities of severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant maritime turbulence along the northern coast.

Affected Regions

The most severe effects of Herminia will initially be felt in the northern regions, particularly in Galicia, where provinces such as A Coruña, Ourense, Pontevedra, and Lugo are under a red alert due to the forecast of waves reaching up to 10 meters in height. Other regions likely to be impacted include Asturias, Cantabria, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y León, País Vasco, and Extremadura.

Weather Conditions

• Winds: Expect winds to reach hurricaneforce speeds, with rachas potentially exceeding 120 km/h in some areas, especially in Galicia and the Cantabrian coast. Winds of up to 140 km/h have already been recorded in high-altitude areas.
• Rainfall: Heavy and generalized precipitation is anticipated, with some areas in Galicia expected to receive over 100 liters per square meter in 24 hours.
• Maritime Conditions: The northern coast will experience intense maritime turbulence, with waves predicted to reach heights of 8 to 10 meters.
• Snow: As the storm progresses, a mass of polar air is expected to enter the region, lowering the snowline to around 500-700 meters in western Spain by Thursday.

Impact and Precautions

The severe weather has already caused significant disruptions. The train service between Coruña and Ferrol has been suspended due to adverse weather conditions. Several flights and road routes have also been affected.

Residents and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution. The AEMET has warned against approaching the coast due to the strong winds and high waves. Additionally, there are recommendations to secure any loose structures and avoid traveling unless necessary.

Extended Forecast

The most critical period of the storm is expected on Monday, January 27, when the winds from the southwest and west will intensify across much of the peninsula. The storm's effects will persist until Tuesday, with another Atlantic low-pressure system potentially bringing more severe weather by Wednesday.

International Impact

Herminia's effects are not limited to Spain; Portugal is also under alert, with several northern and central districts experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has warned of persistent rain and wind, with waves reaching up to 8 meters and a risk of urban flooding.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for expats and locals alike to stay informed through official meteorological updates and follow the recommendations of local authorities to ensure safety during this period of intense weather.