Snow Plows Northeastern Spain, South-Central France
A couple walk on the beach during a snow storm in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, March 8, 2010. (AP Photo/David Ramos)
Heavy snow on Monday disrupted travel, closed schools and knocked out power over northeastern Spain and neighboring south-central France.
The main thoroughfare across Spain's border with France at La Jonquera was closed, stranding 4,000 trucks.
Upwards of a foot of snow fell at Perpignan, France, Monday afternoon with snow falling at the rate of 1-2 inches per hour at points during the day.
Weather observations were also indicating thunder and lightning with the snow in Perpignan.
Conditions for the Catalonia region of Spain and into south-central France will be colder than normal for the next few days, with scattered snow flurries. The snow will not accumulate.
This storm is currently over Corsica, moving west towards Italy. Observations as of Tuesday morning, EST, reveal severe wind gusts, fog and a rain-snow mix in north-central Italy.
A foot of snow through tomorrow morning and midday in the hills of north-central Italy can be expected, along with gusty winds. The worst of the winds will take place today.
The U.K. Telegraph reported that Barcelona, Spain, has been hit with its heaviest snowfall in 25 years.
The Catalonia region was among the areas hardest hit by the snow, with virtually all public schools canceling classes for an estimated 142,000 students.
More than 60 roads around Catalonia were either closed or restricted.
Snow was also falling heavily at Girona, where 21 flights were canceled and several others were altered to land in other cities due to the weather.
Fecsa-Endesa, the local power provider, reported 200,000 homes without electricity, mostly in Girona.
Weather radar was showing intense precipitation over the area, and lightning directors were pinpointing a number of lightning strikes.
As of Monday night, EST, highest snowfall along the corridor from Girona to Perpignan was up to 20 inches in the higher elevations.
More Weather News
-
High Hopes for First Dutch Skating Marathon in 15 Years
Feb 10, 2012; 1:30 PM ET
"If they don't do it this year, who knows when it could happen again."
-
Snowstorm Aims for Boston, Hartford, Providence
Feb 10, 2012; 1:25 PM ET
A rapidly developing snowstorm will take aim over southeastern New England and Long Island late tonight into Saturday, brushing New York City.
-
No Explanation for Pennsylvania's Purple Squirrel
Feb 10, 2012; 1:15 PM ET
The third purple squirrel ever found was released back into the forest on Tuesday.
-
Peeing Boy Plumbing Problems
Feb 10, 2012; 1:11 PM ET
The Manneken Pis or "peeing boy statue" in Brussels, Belgium, is having a little "going" problem.
-
Weekend Snow for Italy, Balkans
Feb 10, 2012; 11:10 AM ET
A winter storm will set up this weekend, bringing even more snow to winter-weary southern and southeastern Europe.
-
Brutal Cold Continuing across Europe
Feb 10, 2012; 10:10 AM ET
A cold spell that has now claimed nearly 500 lives will continue through the weekend for much of Europe before diminishing in the west next week.
-
Weekend Blizzard, Wind, Rain for Atlantic Canada
Feb 10, 2012; 9:20 AM ET
The storm set to brush part of New England Saturday will hit head on into the Maritimes and Newfoundland later this weekend.
-
Much Colder Air Heads East This Weekend
Feb 10, 2012; 7:47 AM ET
One of the coldest air masses so far this winter will descend upon the eastern part of the nation this weekend, but for many it will be gone as quickly as it came.
-
Little Relief in Sight for Parched California
Feb 10, 2012; 6:16 AM ET
A rather modest Pacific storm will make for a wet end to the workweek across the Northwest, but will do little to curb drought conditions in California.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 86° | Thermal, CA |
| Low | -9° | Warroad, MN |
| Precip | 0.85" | Quillayute, WA |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
East (1899)
evere Cold Wave
MIDWEST (1960)
nowstorm and High Winds
Rough Weather
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.