Red Alert Issued for Hurricane-Force 140km/h Winds in Northern Spain — Affected Areas

Red Alert: Extreme Danger in the Pyrenees

Spain's state meteorological agency AEMET has issued a red weather alert — the highest level on its warning system — for the Girona Pyrenees and the Barcelona pre-Pyrenees, warning of hurricane-force winds exceeding 140km/h.

The red alert activated at 5am on Sunday 29 March and is in effect until 5pm Sunday afternoon. After that, a lower orange alert remains in place until Monday morning, with gale-force gusts of around 120km/h still expected.

Authorities have warned of "extraordinary danger" from falling trees, flying debris, and branches. The wind chill factor in mountainous areas will make conditions feel significantly colder than the actual temperature, with potentially dangerous consequences for anyone caught outdoors.

Residents and visitors in the affected zones are being urged to follow all emergency guidance from Protección Civil and avoid unnecessary travel or outdoor activity until the alert expires.

Orange Alerts Across North-Eastern Spain and the Balearics

Beyond the red alert zone, orange alerts — indicating significant danger — cover much of north-eastern Spain. Barcelona city is expected to escape the worst, with winds of around 70km/h forecast for the Catalan capital — strong but below the orange threshold in the city itself.

The Balearic Islands are also facing serious conditions. Orange alerts have been activated for coastal areas of Mallorca and Menorca, with waves forecast at between five and seven metres. Some breakers could reach an extraordinary 12 metres in height in the most exposed coastal locations. Anyone near the sea on the Balearic Islands is advised to stay well back from the shoreline.

Yellow Alert Reaches Alicante and Madrid

A yellow alert — the lowest warning level — covers a wide swathe of eastern Spain, stretching from Tarragona down to Alicante and heading inland as far as Madrid. While yellow alerts do not indicate the same immediate danger as orange or red, they still signal conditions requiring caution — particularly for those travelling, working outdoors, or on exposed coastal areas of the Costa Blanca.

Conditions to Last Until Tuesday

The unsettled weather is forecast to linger through until Tuesday — the start of Spain's Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. That timing is unfortunate given the enormous number of people expected to be on the move over Easter: Spain's traffic authority DGT has forecast 17.1 million long journeys during the holiday period, the highest figure since 2002.

Those travelling by road in affected areas — particularly in the north-east, the Pyrenees foothills, and into the Balearics — should check weather conditions before departing and allow extra time. High-sided vehicles on exposed roads and mountain passes should exercise particular caution in red and orange alert areas.

AEMET Alert Levels Explained

• Red alert — Extraordinary danger. A risk to life. Avoid the affected area if possible; follow emergency services advice
• Orange alert — Significant danger. Adverse conditions likely to cause damage and disrupt activities. Take precautions and monitor updates
• Yellow alert — Be aware. Potentially dangerous weather. Stay alert to changing conditions, especially if travelling or outdoors

For the latest official updates, check AEMET's website (aemet.es) or follow Protección Civil guidance for your region.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published March 29, 2026. Weather conditions and alert levels may change. Always follow the latest official guidance from AEMET and Protección Civil. This article is for informational purposes only.