Spain: Alicante airport to remain close due to the passage of Winter Storm Gloria January 20 /update 4

Event

In the afternoon (local time) on Monday, January 20, authorities at Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) stated that the airport, which was expected to resume operations at 13:00 following a 24 hours closure will remain close throughout the day due to safety risks posed by the passage of Winter Storm Gloria. According to officials, the airport is particularly susceptible to the effects of the storm due to damage sustained in a fire on Wednesday, January 15. Flight disruptions at ALC, including cancelations, diversions, and delays are expected to continue through Monday. Lingering disruptions are possible on Tuesday, January 21.

On Sunday, January 19, the Aemet national weather agency had issued a red alert for provinces across the country as Winter Storm Gloria was expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and heavy snowfall. The alert is in effect in Teruel (Aragon), Albacete (Castilla-La Mancha), Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona (Cataluna), Alicante, Valencia, Castellon (Communitat Valenciana), Murcia, until at least Tuesday, January 21. In Valencia, winds of up to 115 kph (71mph) have been reported on Monday, prompting local authorities to suspend school and cut off several roads across the province until further notice. In Barcelona, authorities have reportedly warned people to avoid coastal areas due to forecasted high waves, while in Madrid, authorities have reportedly closed all public parks.

At least three people were killed respectively in Asturias, Avila, and Gandia due to the storm.

Advice

Individuals in Spain are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and to keep abreast of local weather conditions and forecasts, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Individuals flying via ALC are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate flight delays and cancelations, confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport.