Storm Goretti Triggers Warnings Across Spain

The Storm Goretti system is currently impacting the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, bringing a variety of severe weather conditions. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), fourteen autonomous communities and the city of Melilla are under weather warnings. The storm was named by the French meteorological service and is expected to remain active from Thursday through Saturday.

The most intense impacts are projected for Friday and Saturday, particularly in the northern regions of the country. The adverse phenomena include strong winds, coastal storms, heavy snowfall, rain, and fog. Currently, only three regions—Extremadura, the Community of Madrid, and the Canary Islands—are not included in the alert zones. Authorities have issued specific orange alerts for high-risk maritime conditions in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, as well as for significant snow accumulation in Huesca, Lleida, and the Navarrese Pyrenees.

The weather system known as Goretti has begun to affect a wide swath of Spanish territory. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has confirmed that the storm is impacting the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The active period for this weather event is defined from Thursday through Saturday.

While the storm is active over a three-day window, officials indicate that the peak severity will occur during the latter half of this period. Specifically, the Friday and Saturday timeframe is expected to bring the heaviest impacts to the affected areas. The storm's trajectory suggests a concentrated effect on the northern parts of the country during these critical hours.

Weather warnings have been disseminated for fourteen autonomous communities and the autonomous city of Melilla. The scope of the alerts is extensive, covering almost the entire country with the exception of three regions. Extremadura, the Community of Madrid, and the Canary Islands are currently the only areas not under weather warnings.

The specific nature of the warnings varies by region, reflecting the diverse weather phenomena associated with the storm:

• Coastal Regions: The coasts of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country are under orange alert due to the risk of significant coastal storms.
• Mountainous Areas: Huesca, Lleida, and the Navarrese Pyrenees are under orange alert specifically for heavy snowfall.
• General Phenomena: Alerts are also in place for strong winds, rain, and fog across various parts of the affected territories.

The current weather situation is defined by the presence of the borrasca Goretti. The term "borrasca" refers to a low-pressure system, which typically brings unstable weather. The naming of the storm was performed by the French meteorological service, indicating cross-border monitoring of the system.

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) serves as the primary source for these warnings within Spain. They have categorized the risks as "important," particularly regarding the maritime situation in the northern coastal areas. The convergence of strong winds, precipitation, and temperature drops is creating hazardous conditions, particularly for travel and outdoor activities in the northern half of the country.

As Storm Goretti continues its path across the region, the situation remains dynamic. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) continues to monitor the system's development closely. Residents and visitors in the fourteen affected communities and Melilla are advised to remain aware of local weather updates.

The combination of strong winds, coastal storms, and heavy snowfall presents significant challenges. With the peak impact expected on Friday and Saturday, vigilance is essential, especially in the northern regions and mountainous areas currently under orange alert.