Spain braces for fiercest winds in two decades « Euro Weekly News

Spain is facing yet another chapter of severe weather as Storm Nils moves across the country, prompting widespread alerts, exceptional precautionary measures and disruption to everyday life. The storm is occurring amid a string of powerful weather systems that have already battered the Iberian Peninsula this winter, and authorities are warning that the coming days could be particularly challenging in several regions.

The AEMET Spain’s Meteorological service has issued multiple alerts across the country, with Galicia, Cantabria and the Basque Country under red warnings for extreme maritime conditions and parts of Cataluña preparing for what officials have described as the strongest wind episode in up to 20 years. 

Exceptional wind risk in Cataluña

The Catalan government has taken unprecedented steps in response to forecast wind conditions related to Storm Nils. Officials have warned that wind gusts could reach dangerous levels Thursday, and in some areas gusts have already been recorded above 100 kilometres per hour. In response, authorities have suspended school classes, university sessions, sporting events and non‑urgent healthcare appointments across the region. 

In addition to closures, the regional government issued an ES‑Alert message to mobile phones, the first time such an alert has been sent for wind, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to work from home where possible. The alert is covering much of Thursday, with officials stressing that the risk is highest from midnight through the middle of the day. 

The Meteocat weather service has placed large swathes of Catalonia, including metropolitan areas such as Barcelona and Tarragona, under the highest wind risk category. In parts of Tarragona, red alerts have been raised with gusts expected to exceed 110 km/h, and communities from the coastal plain to inland zones are on heightened watch for falling trees and debris. 

Broader storm impacts inland and at sea

Storm Nils is not only a wind event: heavy rain, rough seas and coastal surges are also forecast in many parts of Spain. Meteorological agencies expect waves of up to ten metres along the Cantabrian coast, prompting red alerts in Galicia, Cantabria and the Basque Country for extraordinary sea conditions. Citizens are being urged to stay away from the shoreline and to heed official warnings. 

Inland, rivers already swollen from previous rainfall episodes, including storms earlier in the season, are at or near critical levels, and continued precipitation is expected to stress watercourses further. Emergency services have reported numerous calls related to flooding incidents, obstacles on roads and fallen trees, underscoring the multi‑hazard nature of the current weather situation. 

Escalating response and safety messages

The regional government in Cataluña has emphasised that the predicted wind event is exceptional in both strength and timing. Officials noted comparisons to historically strong windstorms in 2009 and 2014, but described the current forecast as unprecedented in its potential impact across densely populated areas. Citizens have been advised to secure outdoor items, avoid travel where possible and limit outdoor exposure during the peak of the storm. 

Transport services are also being adjusted in response to the forecast. Rail operators are limiting speeds on key commuter lines to reduce risk from debris on tracks, and road authorities are planning to impose speed limits in areas expected to see the strongest gusts. These measures aim to balance mobility with safety as the storm passes. 

Broader context of extreme winter weather

Storm Nils comes on the heels of other powerful weather systems that have affected Spain this season. Previous storms brought widespread flooding, evacuations and infrastructure disruption, particularly in southern and western regions. Reports of loss of life and significant damage from flooding in recent weeks have underscored the increasing volatility of winter weather patterns. 

Experts say that while no single storm can be conclusively tied to climate change, the pattern of frequent, intense and rapidly successive weather events is consistent with broader shifts in atmospheric behaviour. Authorities and meteorological agencies are urging citizens to remain vigilant throughout the winter. 

Advice to the public

With severe weather expected to continue, officials recommend that residents prepare for disruptions. Those in high‑risk areas should secure loose objects, avoid travel during peak wind hours, and monitor official communications for updates on alerts and safety measures. Emergency services are on heightened readiness across multiple regions, and inter‑agency coordination is focused on rapid response where needed.

As Storm Nils begins to move across Spain, the combination of strong winds, coastal surges and continuing rainfall comes once again as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and adherence to official guidance, particularly for communities in exposed coastal and elevated inland locations