VENTCAT Plan in effect due to severe weather forecast

16/01/2023

The Government of Catalonia has activated its civil protection plan for emergency weather, VENTCAT, due to the episodes of strong winds forecast for today in the eastern half of the country. Winds will remain strong throughout the day, with speeds of over 70 km/h in the metropolitan area of Barcelona and other towns and regions not commonly affected by strong winds. It is therefore recommended that citizens take precautions and follow the safety tips when encountering strong winds. 

Civil Protection urges citizens to use extreme caution when outdoors due to the possibility of fallen branches, trees or other structural elements, and to follow the advice given by the Catalan Transit Service.

It is also recommended that all items outdoors be safely fastened or brought inside, even any holiday decorations that may still be on display. In urban areas, it is recommended not to stand near scaffolds, fences or enclosure walls.

During the episodes of strong winds, it is recommended to stay indoors and take precautions when travelling for business or leisure reasons. Civil Protection requests that citizens use extreme caution when travelling and during outdoor activities, both for leisure (users fot he SAF Physical Activity Service) and work-related (SAF monitors and staff, managers of Architecture and Logistics, Farm Services, and very specifically external maintenance and construction workers). Work in high areas should be suspended and all material that is not securely fastened should be covered and moved to a safe place, as should be done in moutaineous and more exposed areas. If the conditions are not favourable, the activity should be suspended.

For the latest weather forecasts and updated information please check the official Twitter channel @emergenciescat.

More information: 

• Civil Protection press release
• Tips to protect oneself from strong gusts of wind