Storm Oriana: A Continuation of Severe Weather Across Spain

A tragic start to Friday in Catalonia marked the aftermath of a destructive storm, as news broke of the first fatality linked to the recent extreme weather events. A woman in Barcelona succumbed to injuries sustained during the storm, which was characterized by intense gusts of wind. The storm has left a total of 90 injuries and more than 4,000 reported incidents across the region. Among the critically injured is a 22-year-old civil protection volunteer who remains hospitalized, along with another colleague who, though stabilized, is still in serious condition. The Catalonia regional firefighters, known as Bombers of the Generalitat, reported an overwhelming 3,495 alerts related to the storm between midnight and 10 PM on Thursday, as strong winds caused chaos across the area. The regions most severely impacted include Metro Nord and Sud, with 1,641 and 1,483 alerts logged, respectively. Additional alerts were also documented in Girona (144), Tarragona (95), and Centre (75). As the storm named Nils begins to fade, forecasters are now warning of another impending storm, Oriana, which will usher in new rounds of severe weather, particularly affecting the Mediterranean regions. This next wave is expected to bring substantial rain and strong winds across the entire Peninsula, with special advisories for communities in Andalusia, Castilla y León, Asturias, and Murcia, as well as Catalonia. Significant rainfall is projected for Grazalema, with anticipations of up to 180 liters per square meter, leaving many residents displaced for over a week. Areas likely to bear the brunt of the forthcoming storm's impact include Galicia, the western part of the Central System, and the mountainous regions of southeastern and southern Andalusia, where storms could accompany the expected rainfall. Snow accumulations are also on the horizon, with the snowline significantly dropping in various mountain environments. Temperatures are expected to decrease, especially evident in the Ebro and eastern coastal areas, as moderate winds dominate inland regions and strong winds sweep through coastal communities and the Balearic Islands. While the Canary Islands may experience more stable weather with cloudy skies and a potential for drizzle, Andalucia has fallen prey to the rainstorm's wrath, leading to 66 roads being cut off, 50 of which are located solely in the Andalusian region. As a safety precaution, the DGT (Direction General of Traffic) advises all drivers to check traffic and weather conditions prior to travel, as multiple alerts remain active across several autonomous communities. As Spain braves these turbulent weather patterns, this serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of readiness in the face of severe storms. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2