Storm Herminia Hits Spain: Weather Warnings and Snowfall Expected
The storm Herminia has swept into Spain, bringing significant weather challenges that are expected to last through the early part of the week. As of Sunday, numerous incidents were reported across the northwest regions and the Cantabrian Sea, a situation that appears poised to continue in the hours ahead. According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), wind and waves will dominate the day's weather patterns, with rain later evolving into snowfall at higher elevations.
The northwestern part of the peninsula has been particularly impacted by the storm. On Sunday, AEMET issued red alert warnings due to strong winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. Notably, the Basque Country faced the brunt of these conditions, with gusts recorded at an astonishing 160 km/h in Orduña.
Looking ahead to the middle of the week, snow is expected to blanket numerous regions of the country, especially at elevations above 2000 meters. The state agency predicts that precipitation will become more widespread, with the exception of areas along the Mediterranean slope. By the end of the day, conditions in the northwest may begin to stabilize, yet a maritime storm will persist in Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea, producing waves that could reach between 8 to 10 meters high.
As we transition to Tuesday, winds are anticipated to subside in many parts of the eastern third of the country, yet snowfall levels are projected to drop significantly. In the northern half, snow levels could fall as low as 800 to 1000 meters, while in the southern half, levels may range from 1000 to 1300 meters. Significant snow accumulations are expected in the Cantabrian Sea region and the Western Pyrenees, leading to growing concerns about hazardous conditions.
However, the weather is expected to deteriorate further by Thursday. Reports indicate that snow levels could plunge to as low as 500 to 700 meters in the western peninsula. This will not only result in heavy snowfall but will also be coupled with strong gusts of wind, compounding the challenges faced by residents and authorities in the affected areas.
As Storm Herminia continues to unfold, monitoring the situation closely will be crucial for those in impacted regions. Updates from AEMET will provide further insights into the evolving weather patterns and necessary precautions.
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