Storm Oriana forces train cancellations and disrupts Carnival in Catalonia

Authorities issue mobile alerts across fifteen regions as high winds pose a significant safety risk.

Generic image of a road affected by strong winds in Catalonia.
IA

Generic image of a road affected by strong winds in Catalonia.

The Oriana storm has caused widespread disruption across Catalonia this Saturday, leading to the suspension of train services and the cancellation of Carnival festivities due to severe wind gusts.

The Catalan Government deployed the ES-Alert system to residents in high-risk areas including Cerdanya, Alt Empordà, and the Ebro region. Unlike previous storms, the emergency warnings were targeted geographically, focusing on the north and south while excluding Barcelona.

"Carnival parades gather large crowds and our priority is to prevent these people from being put at risk."

Imma Solé · Civil Protection Deputy Director
Rail traffic on the Mediterranean Corridor was halted, leaving Euromed and Alvia trains stranded for hours. In the Pyrenees, heavy snowfall and wind forced the closure of ski resorts such as La Molina, while coastal areas saw waves reaching four meters.