Schools, universities and non-urgent healthcare to close Thursday amid 100km/h winds

Catalonia will suspend schools, universities, sports, and non-urgent healthcare on Thursday as authorities warn of severe winds, interior minister Núria Parlon has announced.

The government urges people to avoid travel and work from home where possible.

Authorities are considering suspending rail services.

Civil Protection will send an ES-Alert to mobile phones on Wednesday afternoon to inform residents about safety measures related to the strong winds.

The resolution on the emergency measures will take effect from midnight on Wednesday night until Thursday at 8pm.

A technical committee was scheduled to meet again at 5pm on Wednesday to assess whether additional measures are necessary.

Storm Nils already placed much of Catalonia under maximum wind alert on Wednesday.

The Catalan Meteorological Service issued a red warning, the highest level - six out of six, in about twenty counties. 

The alert is in effect from 7am on Wednesday until 1am Friday but the most dangerous period is expected between midnight on Wednesday and noon on Thursday.

The counties that are in maximum alert at some point are Baix Penedès, Garraf, Baix Llobregat, Barcelonès, Maresme, Selva, Alt Penedès, Anoia, Segarra, Bages, Vallès Oriental and Occidental, Osona, Garrotxa, Ripollès, Cerdanya, Berguedà, Lluçanès, Moianès, Pallars Sobirà and Alta Ribagorça.

Winds over 100 km/h

Wind gusts exceeded 100 kilometers per hour on Wednesday.

Puig Sesolles, in the heart of Montseny in the northern part of the Vallès Oriental, tops the list with a maximum gust of 139.7 km/h.

Sarai Sarroca, director of the Catalan Meteorological Service, called for extreme caution during what she described as a widespread wind event that will intensify on Thursday. 

More strong winds on Saturday

Meteocat is closely monitoring updated weather models to assess the situation for Saturday, which could also be challenging.

Deputy director of Civil Protection, Imma Soler, said municipalities will be asked to reassess weekend activities, as the second peak of the windstorm is expected Saturday. 

Towns are being advised to review planned events. Parlon stressed the importance of checking urban furniture and Carnival parade routes scheduled for Saturday.

Barcelona closes parks

Barcelona City Council activated the city's windstorm action plan at the alert level on Wednesday morning, closing parks and gardens.

Authorities recommend closing and securing doors and windows, lowering blinds and awnings, removing loose objects from balconies and windows, and checking fixed outdoor elements such as antennas, air conditioning units, and skylights.