Barcelona and Tarragona on edge over a windstorm threatening the coast

Wind is battering Barcelona and Tarragona this Wednesday. Gusts of more than 72 km/h will put urban safety to the test. Authorities are urging maximum caution in streets and homes. The risk will remain until Thursday. See the key recommendations.

Wind is once again disrupting the routine of Barcelona and Tarragona this Wednesday. From early morning, the city and its coastal surroundings are preparing for an episode of intense gusts exceeding 72 km/h, a situation that can affect everything from travel to outdoor activities.

The Generalitat has activated the Plan VENTCAT alert in view of the forecast for a storm that will particularly affect the central and southern coast and pre-coastal areas. The westerly phenomenon will be felt most strongly during the morning and around midday, affecting counties such as Alt Camp, Alt Penedès, Anoia, Baix Camp and Baix Penedès.

The risk is not limited to Wednesday: the instability is expected to continue through Thursday, coinciding with festive events and more people being out in the street. That is why the authorities insist on exercising extreme caution, especially in areas with street furniture, lighting, cranes, containers and trees, elements vulnerable to the wind.

It is recommended to avoid parks and green areas, as well as to pay attention to parked motorbikes and bicycles, which could topple over or be displaced. At home, it is advisable to secure doors and windows, roll up awnings and remove any object from balconies and terraces that could fall onto the public highway.

For those who have to travel by car, Civil Protection advises checking the condition of the roads before setting off, as the wind can cause unexpected incidents in traffic.

The westerly wind, common during episodes of seasonal change, tends to intensify on the Catalan coast and can cause anything from falling branches to disruptions to public transport. In Barcelona, managing these storms involves coordinating municipal services and emergency bodies, which monitor the development of the phenomenon in real time to minimise risks and ensure public safety.