Wind gusts reach 167 km/h in Northern Catalonia causing widespread travel disruption

Emergency services respond to hundreds of calls as hurricane-force winds hit the Alt Empordà and Pyrenees regions.

Generic image of a road blocked by a fallen tree during a windstorm.
IA

Generic image of a road blocked by a fallen tree during a windstorm.

A severe windstorm is battering Catalonia this Sunday, with peak gusts of 167.4 km/h recorded in Portbou, leading to multiple road closures and emergency interventions across the Pyrenees.

According to the Catalan Meteorological Service, extreme conditions are affecting the Alt Empordà and Ripollès regions. Significant gusts were also measured at Queralt Sanctuary (160 km/h) and Tosa d'Alp (132 km/h), creating hazardous conditions for residents and travelers.
The 112 emergency line has handled over 340 calls, while Firefighters have carried out 150 operations to remove fallen trees and secure damaged structures. Major roads, including the N-260 at Ribes de Freser, have been closed due to debris, and snow chains are required on several mountain passes.
Civil Protection has issued mobile alerts to residents in the most affected areas, urging the public to avoid outdoor activities until the storm subsides. No injuries have been reported so far despite the intensity of the weather event.