Sant Esteve begins with an extreme storm: giant waves, rain and wind in Barcelona

Sant Esteve arrives with an unprecedented storm. Waves of up to four metres are battering the coast. Intense rain and historic snowfall in the Pyrenees. Barcelona is also affected. Discover all the details and recommendations.

Sant Esteve day is set to bring a particularly severe easterly storm to Catalonia. The day is marked by red warnings along the coast, torrential rain in the north-east and exceptional snowfall in the western Pyrenees, according to the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya.

On the Costa Brava, authorities have issued red warnings for rough seas. Waves exceeding four metres and a heavy swell are expected. On the Costa Central, the sea will also be rough, with waves of up to three metres in some places. The utmost caution is recommended and people are advised not to approach the coast, as the morning will be especially dangerous in exposed areas.

The wind will blow strongly across much of the coast and the pre-coastal area, especially between the southern Costa Brava and the Baix Llobregat. Gusts could exceed 70 km/h, making the situation even more difficult.

Rain will be persistent and heavy, especially in the Girona comarques. More than 150 litres per square metre could accumulate this Friday alone, with continuous and at times intense rainfall. This situation will benefit the Sau, Darnius-Boadella and La Baells reservoirs, which will see their water reserves increase.

In the eastern Pyrenees, heavy snowfall is expected, with accumulations that could greatly exceed one metre in depth. The snow line will begin at around 1,300 metres and rise to 1,600 during the day, driven by easterly winds. Extreme caution is recommended in the mountains, as the risk of avalanches will be very high in the following days.

In Barcelona, rain will be less intense than in Girona, but accumulations of between 20 and 30 litres per square metre are forecast during the day. The easterly wind could reach 70 km/h in the most exposed coastal areas. In addition, maximum temperatures will rise by between two and three degrees because of the easterly wind.

Authorities stress the importance of following recommendations and avoiding unnecessary journeys, especially in coastal and mountain areas.