Introduction
Storm Kristin has caused significant disruption in central and northern Portugal, leaving over 800,000 people without electricity early on Wednesday. The storm brought down trees and power lines, damaged homes, and disrupted traffic on highways and railways before moving into Spain.
Fatalities and Damages
Fatalities: At least one person died when a tree fell on their car in Vila Franca de Xira, near Lisbon, according to emergency services.
Damages: Portugal’s civil protection authorities reported around 1,500 weather-related incidents caused by winds reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour, heavy rainfall, and even snow in the country of nearly 11 million residents.
Power Restoration Efforts
E-Redes, the grid operator, reported that technical teams were working to restore power to approximately 855,000 customers after initial efforts were hampered by the adverse weather conditions.
Impact on Spain
As Spain continues to feel the aftermath of storm Joseph, Kristin moved eastward, causing further disruptions. In the coastal town of Torremolinos, strong winds uprooted a palm tree, resulting in a woman’s death.
Over 160 Spanish roads were affected by snow on Wednesday, including 27 major highways like the A-6 connecting Madrid to the northwest. Although snow covered some rooftops in central Madrid, it did not cause significant disruptions.
Severe Weather Warnings
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warned that very strong winds would blow across extensive regions, with gusts reaching hurricane force. Authorities issued a red alert in some areas of Almeria province, located in southern Spain, due to the intensity of the winds.
Preventive Measures
Local authorities closed parks and suspended outdoor activities and events due to the severe weather conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Storm Kristin? Storm Kristin is a significant weather system that affected Portugal and Spain, causing widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and fatalities.
- How many people were affected by the power outages? Over 800,000 people in central and northern Portugal were left without electricity due to the storm.
- What caused the disruptions in Spain? The ongoing effects of storm Joseph, combined with the arrival of storm Kristin, led to further disruptions in Spain, including road closures due to snow and a fatal incident in Torremolinos.
- What precautions were taken by authorities? Authorities issued severe weather warnings, closed parks, and suspended outdoor activities to ensure public safety.
