Heavy rain and strong winds expected as Storm Jana approaches Catalonia

Catalonia is bracing for heavy rain and strong winds this weekend as Storm Jana approaches.

The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) has issued warnings for heavy rain, rainwater accumulation, wind, and sea swells, with the worst conditions expected overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning.

The rain is expected to be especially heavy in the north of Catalonia, with more than 100mm of rainfall predicted in 24 hours in areas such as Solsonès, Berguedà and Ripollès.

In the Pyrenees, snow storms are expected at altitudes above about 1,800 meters. Conditions will be very adverse until Sunday due to fog and precipitation, according to Meteocat. After the front clears, ravines will be flooded and caution will be needed due to fresh snow in the high mountains.

Meteocat warns that rain could fall at any point across Catalonia over the weekend.

The arrival of a front on Saturday night, along with the formation of a small storm off the Catalan coast, will cause general and abundant precipitation from late on Saturday until midday on Sunday, Meteocat warned in an update on Friday afternoon.

One benefit of the snow and rain will be a boost to the reservoir levels in Catonia which remain less than one-third full after several years of drought.

Storm Jana 

Storm Jana was named by Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) on Thursday as it became apparent the storm was going to hit the Iberian peninsula.

The agency warned on Friday of an episode of heavy rainfall and strong winds in the peninsula, predicting heavy rain throughout the weekend and Monday. The worst day, due to rain and wind, will be Saturday.