Today, Friday, we have already seen the damage caused by wind and rain in parts of the country. Pay attention, because what awaits us tomorrow, Saturday, is a qualitative leap in danger level.
Storm ‘Oriana’ is not letting up and, after a Friday of warnings, it is intensifying to make Saturday the day of maximum impact across almost the entire peninsula.
For you, who spend long hours behind the wheel, this means that the margin for maneuver is reduced. This is not a day for improvising routes or ignoring the signs on information panels. The forecast is clear: the wind will be the main protagonist, and for a large-tonnage vehicle, it is the worst enemy. Take extreme precautions, check the security of your loads, and if possible, plan your breaks to avoid the peak hours of this storm.
The wind will undoubtedly be the most widespread risk factor this weekend. According to data from the Meteorological Service of Catalonia and AEMET, although very strong gusts have already been recorded today, Saturday’s early morning will bring a widespread intensification. We are talking about gusts that will far exceed 90 km/h in large areas of the west and north of the peninsula, with particular impact in the northwestern quadrant, the Central system, and very especially in the Ebro valley and the areas of Tarragona and Lleida, where they could approach 100-110 km/h.
For a truck or a high-sided van, driving through mountain passes, gorges, or open areas with these gusts poses a real risk of destabilization. Do not underestimate the force of crosswinds.
But the danger is not only from the air. Rain and snow will further complicate road conditions. The rains, which have already left the ground soaked, will continue on Saturday, although more irregularly, especially affecting the Mediterranean coast and the south of the peninsula, with the possibility of storms.
This translates into a high risk of aquaplaning and landslides on secondary roads. On the other hand, the snow level, which today hovered around 1,200-1,300 meters in the north, will drop drastically during Saturday, potentially settling around 600-800 meters in the Pyrenees and mountain systems of the north.
This means that usual mountain passes may become impassable without chains. In areas like the Pyrenees of Lleida, Huesca, and Navarre, the accumulation of snow, combined with strong wind, will create the “torb” phenomenon (blizzard), which reduces visibility to zero and erases road markings.
Where will the main danger zones be? Experts point to several red spots on the map. The first is the entire northeastern quadrant, with Catalonia and the Valencian Community in the spotlight due to wind and rough seas, but also the interior of Castellón and Tarragona.
The second is the Cantabrian coast, where snow and wind will affect key passes in Asturias, Cantabria, and the north of Castile and León. And we must not forget the south, where strong winds in eastern Andalusia and the province of Almería can cause trouble, especially for vehicles traveling empty or with light loads.
On Sunday, although the wind is expected to ease from midday onwards, the morning will still be complicated, with strong gusts in the Pyrenees and on the coast, and with secondary roads in poor condition due to accumulated snow and mud.
In summary, colleagues, this weekend is not just any weekend. ‘Oriana’ is a storm that has already had serious consequences. The best tools you have right now are information and prudence. Check the road conditions before setting off, carry chains if your route goes through mountain areas, and above all, respect the diversions and closures established by the authorities. Arriving late is preferable to not arriving at all. The cargo can wait; your life and the lives of others on the road cannot. Be very careful and have a safe journey.