Spain Faces Severe Weather: Windstorm Alerts and Precautions Across Regions

Windstorms have swept across mainland Spain, marking a tumultuous start to 2026 following heavy rainfall earlier this year. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued numerous warnings, particularly impacting regions such as Catalonia and the Valencian Community. Civil Protection of the Generalitat has responded by sending an EsAlert message advising residents to avoid travel and outdoor activities throughout the day due to the forecasted strong winds. The areas most affected by these alerts for strong winds include La Val d'Aran, Pallars Jussà, Pallars Sobirà, Alta Ribagorça, Alt Urgell, Solsonès, Cerdanya, Berguedà, Ripollès, and Alt Empordà. Neighboring regions may also be under similar warnings. In response to the dangerous weather conditions, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has established circulation restrictions in Castellón, limiting maximum speeds to 80 km/h. Additionally, heavy vehicles are prohibited from overtaking and must remain in the right lane. Authorities are urging citizens to undertake only essential travel as a precaution against the adverse weather. Furthermore, the Emergency and Urgency Attention Center 112 in Extremadura declared Operational Situation 1, activating the Territorial Civil Protection Plan due to strong winds forecasted for the region. The north of the province of Cáceres is under an orange alert, while areas like Villuercas and Montánchez remain under yellow alert. Maximum gusts are anticipated to reach 90 kilometers per hour in the north and 70 kilometers per hour in the other specified areas according to AEMET forecasts. In Madrid, parks such as El Retiro and eight other significant green spaces are closed to the public as a safety measure due to the yellow warning for strong winds issued by AEMET. Wind gusts in the metropolitan area could peak at 70 km/h until noon, prompting the Madrid City Council to advise caution and close the parks to prevent harm to both citizens and trees. As a result of the ongoing weather emergency, governmental and emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to adhere to safety recommendations. It is vital for residents in affected areas to stay informed and prepare for possible disruptions as this severe weather system develops. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2