Severe Weather Hits Spain: Storm Kristin Causes Avalanche Fatalities and Ongoing Winter Warnings
Storm Kristin unleashes heavy snow, fatal avalanche in the Pyrenees, and ongoing severe weather warnings across Spain into early February.
- • Storm Kristin brings heavy snow, rain, and strong winds across Spain, with ongoing hazardous travel conditions.
- • Two young men died in an avalanche while skiing at Cibollés Peak in Benasque, Huesca.
- • Meteorological agencies warn of continued rain and snow, especially in northern and mountainous regions.
- • Meteorologist Mario Picazo highlights further Atlantic storms causing significant rainfall and snowfall into early February.
Key details
Spain is grappling with severe winter weather following the passage of storm Kristin, bringing heavy rainfall, snowfall, and strong winds across much of the country.
Tragically, the storm has already claimed two young lives: a 25-year-old from Zaragoza and a 22-year-old from Guadalajara died in an avalanche while skiing and snowboarding on the north face of Cibollés Peak in Benasque, Huesca. Road conditions have deteriorated due to snow and ice, demanding caution for travelers, especially in mountainous and northern areas.
Meteorological agencies, including AEMET, warn of continued instability for the coming days. Rain and snow are expected to persist, particularly in the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, and the Central System. Frost and cold temperatures will remain widespread, notably in inland areas during early mornings.
Well-known meteorologist Mario Picazo highlighted the arrival of additional Atlantic storms expected through early February. Although a temporary break in precipitation is forecasted for Saturday due to high pressure from the southwest, a new cold front will bring renewed rain starting Sunday, especially impacting western Spain. Picazo cautioned that rainfall accumulations could be significant, with some regions seeing over 200 mm of rain. Snowfall will continue at higher altitudes, particularly in the Pyrenees and Cantabrian ranges.
Over the next days, intermittent precipitation alongside strong winds and rough seas along the Cantabrian and Atlantic coasts will persist despite some weakening of the storm. Official agencies urge the public to stay updated with forecasts and heed warnings to ensure safety amid the ongoing winter conditions.
With freezing temperatures and variable weather forecasted to hold on into next week, residents and travelers in affected areas should remain vigilant. The severe impact of storm Kristin underscores the intensity of late January's weather challenges for Spain.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Casualties from avalanche
Sources report different numbers of casualties from the avalanche.
larazon.es
"Two young men, aged 25 from Zaragoza and 22 from Guadalajara, lost their lives after being caught in an avalanche."
abc.es
"The summary does not mention any casualties from the avalanche."
Why this matters: One source states that two young men lost their lives in an avalanche, while the other does not mention any casualties. This discrepancy is significant as it affects the understanding of the storm's impact on human safety.