Storm Ingrid: mobility restrictions in five regions and the first snowflakes fall on Tibidabo

Heavy rain, colder temperatures, and snowfall in several parts of the country. The weather change this Saturday has been intense and very rapid, generated by a low-pressure system with very cold air aloft associated with the storm. IngridLocated on the Atlantic coast, there is already heavy snowfall in Solsonès, Moianès, Berguedà, Cerdanya, and Ripollès, which will continue until the afternoon. Snow is also visible at the Tibidabo amusement park in Barcelona, ​​at an altitude of around 500 meters.

The arrival of cold air, as the disturbance passed, brought snow showers to lower elevations, around 300 or 400 meters. In fact, by mid-morning it was snowing heavily in regions like Moianès and Berguedà. In Sant Guim de Freixenet (Segarra), for example, 7 cm of snow had accumulated by noon. Rain also fell in the morning with moderate intensity, with heavier amounts along the coast and inland areas, notably 25 l/m² in El Vendrell, 23 l/m² in Cunit, and 21 l/m² in Montserrat, some of which fell as snow. Given the change in weather, Civil Protection issued an ES-Alert to five regions, requesting that movement be restricted due to the snowfall in the area. Specifically, in Solsonès, Moianès, Berguedà, Cerdanya, and Ripollès. The Catalan government warns that snowfall will continue in these regions throughout Saturday, urging people to limit their movement, avoid unnecessary travel, and, in any case, check road conditions and equip their vehicles. For example, use snow chains if driving on snow, and ensure a full tank of fuel and charged batteries.

The Deputy Director of Operations for Civil Protection, Imma Solé, called for caution when traveling and engaging in outdoor activities due to the "adverse weather" across the country, and advised people to be "equipped" to respond to any potential incidents. She explained that the 112 emergency number received more than 400 calls related to the storm, over half of which were related to traffic incidents. Meanwhile, the Fire Department has already responded to approximately 400 calls.

Regarding the snowfall, Solé stressed the need to remain vigilant throughout the afternoon, although the storm is expected to subside. In fact, the snow warning remains in effect this afternoon and covers some areas of Central Catalonia, the northeast, and the Eastern Pyrenees. The snow level will be around 600 meters, although during periods of heavy snowfall it will drop again to 400 meters. During the afternoon and evening, precipitation will decrease in the central part of the country, and clear spells will appear in western and southern Catalonia. Strong northwesterly winds (with blizzard conditions in the Pyrenees) will arrive this afternoon, along with westerly winds, with moderate to strong gusts, in the central Pre-coastal region, the Camp de Tarragona, and the Terres de l'Ebre. Rain and snow will be confined to the Pyrenees and the northeast of the region. By the end of the day, snow will only fall on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees, with some showers continuing in the Empordà region. Total accumulations during this period could exceed 100 l/m². Therefore, Civil Protection is urging vigilance in the Empordà region due to potential water accumulation, as this precipitation will add to that of previous days. Tomorrow, the weather will be radically different, with sunshine across the country, a cold environment, and only some cloud cover in the northeast that will not produce any precipitation.