Severe Weather Alerts Issued for Northern Spain: Expats Advised to Take Precautions

As the week begins, residents and expats in northern Spain, particularly in the regions of Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country, are bracing themselves for a significant weather event. A powerful maritime storm is forecasted to hit these areas, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rainfall, and towering waves.

Maritime Storm and Coastal Warnings

Starting from Friday, February 23, the coastal areas of Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country are expected to face a maritime storm with waves that could reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters)[1]. This has prompted the Spanish national meteorological agency, AEMET, to activate yellow warnings for these regions. The strong winds associated with this storm can reach gusts of up to 56 mph (90 km/h), posing significant risks to infrastructure, trees, and traffic, especially in exposed areas.

Wind and Rainfall Alerts

In addition to the maritime storm, the interior regions of these communities will also experience severe weather conditions. Asturias, Cantabria, the north of Castilla y León, and the Cantabrian slope of Navarra are all under yellow warnings due to the anticipated wind gusts and potential infrastructure disruptions[1].

Galicia is expected to be the most affected by rainfall, with accumulations that could reach 0.4 gallons per square yard (15 liters per square meter) in just one hour and up to 1.1 gallons (40 liters) in 12 hours, particularly in A Coruña and Pontevedra[1].

Weekend Instability

The adverse weather conditions are not limited to Friday; the instability is expected to spread throughout the weekend, affecting other areas of the country with more widespread rain. Temperatures will drop, leading to a much more wintry atmosphere than in recent days. This prolonged period of bad weather underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to local weather updates[1].

Precautions and Travel Advice

Given the severity of the forecast, expats and residents are advised to take extreme precautions. Avoiding coastal areas and promenades is highly recommended due to the dangerous wave conditions. Travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions in flights and ferry services, and it is crucial to monitor local advisories frequently.

The situation mirrors recent weather events, such as Storm Herminia, which brought hurricane-force gusts and significant disruptions to various parts of Spain. The recurring nature of these storms highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared for such weather events[2][3].

As the weather situation evolves, it is essential for everyone in the affected regions to remain alert and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.