Spain: Red alert issued due to the passage of Winter Storm Gloria January 20 /update 3

Event

The Aemet national weather agency has issued a red alert for provinces across the country on Sunday, January 19, as Winter Storm Gloria is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds of up to 130 kph (80 mph) 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.

On January 19, authorities announced that the Alicante-Elche airport (ALC) will be closed from 13:00 (local time) on Sunday, January 19, until 13:00 on Monday, January 20, due to safety risks posed by stormy weather in the area. Flight disruptions at ALC, including cancelations, diversions, and delays are expected to continue through Monday.

In the northern Asturias province, a man was reportedly killed, while in Barcelona authorities have reportedly warned people to avoid coastal areas due to forecasted high waves. In Madrid, authorities have reportedly closed public parks on Monday.

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.