Storm Oriana Triggers Red Alerts Across Spain with Winds Peaking at 140 km/h in Castellón
Storm Oriana has prompted widespread emergency alerts across Spain, with Castellón facing red-level warnings for winds up to 140 km/h and numerous safety measures enforced nationwide.
- • Storm Oriana activated alerts in almost all Spanish regions, with Castellón under red alert for winds up to 140 km/h.
- • 346 wind-related incidents reported in Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón, with EsAlert warnings issued.
- • Eighty roads closed due to flooding, mainly in Andalusia's Córdoba and Cádiz provinces.
- • Authorities advise residents to stay indoors, restrict heavy vehicle movement, and exercise caution driving in affected areas.
Key details
Storm Oriana has unleashed severe weather conditions across Spain, prompting extensive emergency alerts in nearly all autonomous communities. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued a red-level alert for the province of Castellón due to hurricane-force winds expected to reach 140 km/h. Authorities warn of falling trees and debris as a result of the intense gusts.
Other regions including Andalusia, Aragón, Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Murcia, and Melilla are under orange-level warnings due to winds surpassing 100 km/h. Meanwhile, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, and Catalonia face similar upgraded alerts for heavy snowfall. Coastal areas such as Andalusia, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Galicia, Basque Country, Valencia, and Melilla are confronted with high seas generating waves up to 8 meters tall.
This storm system has already led to significant disruptions, with 80 roads closed primarily due to flooding, most notably in Andalusia affecting Córdoba and Cádiz. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially in eastern Spain, given the hazardous weather conditions.
Emergency services have been actively managing the heightened risk; in Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón, an EsAlert has been issued. The Conseller of Emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama, confirmed 346 wind-related incidents and stressed the importance of public safety measures. Authorities advise residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid areas near trees and advertising billboards that may be at risk. Furthermore, traffic regulations have tightened, including restrictions on heavy vehicles and lowered speed limits to prevent accidents.
Forest firefighters and provincial emergency teams have increased their presence ahead of potential forest fires, recognizing the heightened danger from the storm's fierce winds. Coordination among various administrations remains a priority to mitigate the storm's impact.
With Storm Oriana still active, vigilance continues as Spain faces its most challenging weather episode yet this season, emphasizing both precaution and preparedness across affected communities.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
