National
Spain on weather alert as snow returns to Cataluña
By h.b.
Mar 5, 2008 - 8:12 AM

Several parts of Spain are on alert today as a storm brings high winds and snow to many parts of the country.
The storm has already claimed its first fatality. A 40 year old man, named with the initials M.E.G. died instantly on Tuesday afternoon in San Sebastian when a tree fell on him as he was riding his moped in the city. Another motorist travelling in the other direction was injured in the incident.

In the Valencia region a warning for strong winds has been issued for Castellón and there is a coastal warning in place in Alicante.
In Madrid the fire service have been kept busy with call outs, especially in the south of the capital overnight, mostly to falling masonry.
The Balearic Islands are also on alert for high winds and ferry services have been suspended.

Meanwhile it is the snow causing the weather alerts in place in Cataluña this morning, with Lleida, Berguedà and Ripollès particularly affected by heavy falls. Chains are needed for 11 mountain passes in the region.

Practically all the country is subject to a Spanish Meteorological Office warning today, with just the regions of Extremadura and eastern Andalucía escaping yellow or orange alerts for wind. The wind will ease during the day but the snow warnings remain in place for tomorrow in Cataluña.

Details from the Spanish Meteorological Office INE website - here or from Typically Spanish here.