Storm Oriana hits Spain after Nils chaos with snow, 140kmh winds and Valentine freeze

Spain is barely catching its breath after Storm Nils when another dangerous system moves in. Storm Oriana is already spreading heavy rain, violent winds and plunging temperatures across large parts of the country, with forecasters warning of snow at unusually low levels and hazardous conditions through Valentine’s weekend.

The new storm is expected to affect Andalucia, Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, the Pyrenees and broad areas of central and southern Spain from Friday into Saturday. Gusts could exceed 100 kmh in many regions and reach around 140 kmh in exposed mountain zones, while an Arctic air mass drives temperatures sharply lower nationwide.

Snow is forecast from just 600 to 700 metres across northern Spain by Saturday morning, raising the risk of dangerous roads and travel disruption as millions move around the country for the weekend.

Live map shows flooded and closed roads during Storm Oriana

With conditions deteriorating again after the damage caused by Nils, drivers can monitor real time disruption across Spain using the Directorate General of Traffic interactive map below. It shows flooded routes, closures and incidents as the storm evolves.

AENA, a company that manages airports and heliports in Spain, is also warning travellers to stay informed about possible delays or cancellations due to the adverse weather conditions.

Storm Oriana set to bring a rainy – and even snowy – Valentine’s Day

Storm Oriana is forecast to bring widespread rain in Andalucia, Galicia, along the Cantabrian coast, the Pyrenees, and generally across central and southern Spain. Weather alerts for strong winds and rough seas on the coastlines remain active for several regions, including Andalucia, the Region of Murcia and the Community of Valencia.

Along with the storm, an Arctic front will arrive in Spain, causing temperatures to plummet. By the morning of Saturday, February 14, snow at low elevations (600 to 700 metres) is also expected across broad areas of northern Spain.

Strong winds to continue into Saturday

Saturday will also see gusts of up to 100 kilometres an hour in many regions, particularly in northern and eastern Spain and in the Balearic Islands. Winds in the Pyrenees region, as well as in the provinces of Castellon and Teruel, could reach up to 140 kilometres an hour.

Heavy snowfall is forecast in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees, and residents are warned to look out for snow showers at lower elevations.

Oriana to make a slow exit by Valentine’s Day afternoon

By the afternoon of Saturday, February 14, Storm Oriana’s rain and snow will gradually ease, though strong gusts are expected to continue through the day in various regions, including in the Balearic Islands, the Pyrenees, the Emporda region and the lower Ebro Valley region.

Residents warned of a frosty weekend

Overnight from Saturday, February 14 into Sunday, February 15, frost is expected to form in widespread parts of the country, particularly in the north, the eastern Meseta and parts of the Castilla-La Mancha region. Intense frost is forecast for the Pyrenees area.

A sunny Sunday?

By Sunday, February 15, skies are finally expected to clear, bringing a breath of relief for the country, save for the far north, which may experience some residual showers. Winds will ease overnight from Saturday into Sunday, though strong winds may persist in the mountainous areas of the Pyrenees region until Sunday afternoon.

Three-day weekend forecast: Storm Oriana at a glance

Friday, February 13: Heavy rainfall in Andalucia, Galicia, along the Cantabrian coast, the Pyrenees, and central and southern Spain. Temperatures begin to drop in much of the country.

Saturday, February 14: Snow at low elevations across much of the country. Strong winds of up to 100 km/h in northern and eastern Spain and in the Balearic Islands. By the afternoon, snow and rain begins to ease, but strong winds may persist in some areas, including in the Balearic Islands.

Sunday: February 15: Frost forms overnight in much of the country, particularly in the north and intense frosts in the Pyrenees region. Skies will begin to clear by the afternoon, with winds easing in much of the country overnight, except in the Pyrenees.

Storm Oriana: Winter’s last hurrah?

Early next week, temperatures are expected to stabilise, after weeks of turbulent weather, evacuations, floods, unprecedented winds and officials working tirelessly to clear debris. Skies are forecast to clear and most of the country can expect dry conditions going into next week. With any luck, AEMET is correct in its prediction that Storm Oriana will be the last of a long string of bleak winter storms that have left much of Spain hoping desperately for sunshine.