A powerful storm wind that hit southern Catalonia has triggered emergency alerts for residents in several regions. Authorities sent warnings to mobile phones to minimize risks to life and health. With gusts reaching over one hundred kilometers per hour, even short trips can turn dangerous.
On Saturday morning, residents of Terres de l’Ebre and Baix Camp received alarming notifications. Similar alerts were soon sent to the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees, and Alt Empordà. Each message strongly advised people not to go outside unless absolutely necessary and to avoid any travel by transport.
Restrictions and consequences
The introduction of the VENTCAT plan responded to meteorologists’ forecasts warning of potentially devastating outcomes. A red danger level was declared in the Ebro Delta, where winds had already knocked down trees onto the main AP-7 highway. This led to a temporary suspension of traffic on one of the country’s key transport corridors.
Despite the quick response from emergency crews, the situation remained tense. At the time the alerts were sent, there were no reports of casualties, but road services had to respond urgently to new incidents. Drivers and pedestrians were urged to exercise maximum caution, and organizers of public events were cancelling scheduled activities.
Response and actions
The Catalan authorities acted proactively to prevent tragedies like those that have occurred in the region in previous years. The Es Alert system enabled rapid dissemination of information to thousands of residents, helping to ease the burden on emergency services. In areas where the wind reached its peak, police and rescue patrols were reinforced.
Meteorologists warn that the situation could worsen throughout the day. Some municipalities are already experiencing power outages and disruptions in public transportation. Residents in high-risk zones have been forced to change their plans and remain at home to avoid exposure to danger.
Context and recent incidents
In recent years, Catalonia has repeatedly faced extreme weather events. In 2023, a similar storm caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage in Girona and Lleida. At that time, movement restrictions were also imposed and dozens of events were canceled. In 2025, strong winds in the Costa Brava area led to road accidents and temporary port closures. Such situations highlight the importance of timely public information and swift emergency response.
