Severe weather conditions are continuing to affect several parts of southern Europe, triggering transport disruption, infrastructure damage and safety warnings as authorities brace for further deterioration in conditions.
In Italy, heavy rain and gale-force winds are forecast to persist until Friday, with a fresh wave of icy weather expected to follow over the weekend. Adverse winter conditions have already affected several regions, with Calabria and Sicily identified as among the areas facing the highest risk in the immediate term. Strong wind gusts and isolated hailstorms are anticipated, while rainfall is expected to remain widespread along the Tyrrhenian coast.
Northern Italy is also experiencing significant snowfall, particularly in the Aosta Valley, where heavy accumulation is forecast. Snowfall is expected to extend across the western Alpine borders, while central and southern regions face continued rainfall and strong winds. Weather patterns are expected to shift over the weekend as cold northerly air currents replace the milder Atlantic flow, causing temperatures to drop sharply and increasing the likelihood of snowfall at lower altitudes, particularly along Adriatic regions.
Elsewhere, Spain and Portugal remain on high alert as powerful storm systems continue to batter the Iberian Peninsula. Northern Spanish regions including Galicia, Cantabria and the Basque Country have been placed under the highest weather alert following the arrival of Storm Nils, the eighth major storm to impact Spain this year. The storm has generated waves reaching up to nine metres along exposed coastal areas.
In Catalonia, wind gusts exceeding 105 kilometres per hour have caused widespread disruption, bringing down trees and affecting both road and rail transport networks. Authorities suspended classes, cancelled sporting events and restricted non-essential healthcare services as a precaution. At least five people have been injured in weather-related incidents, including one individual left in serious condition after being struck by a falling tree. Civil protection services issued emergency alerts urging residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Flight operations at Barcelona’s El Prat airport have also been affected, with dozens of cancellations reported.
Portugal has similarly been impacted by heavy rainfall linked to an atmospheric river — a corridor of concentrated water vapour transporting large volumes of moisture from tropical regions. Northern parts of the country have been particularly affected, prompting the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents. Infrastructure damage has been reported near the city of Coimbra, where a section of the A1 motorway collapsed following a levee breach. Authorities have indicated that repairs are expected to take several weeks and will depend on the retreat of floodwaters.
Strong winds prompt temporary transport changes during Carnival preparations in Malta
Separately, strong winds forecast for later this week have prompted Maltese authorities to temporarily relocate part of the Valletta bus terminus to Floriana as a precautionary measure during Carnival preparations.
This year’s Carnival floats will be stationed at the foss ta’ San Ġakbu to reduce exposure to adverse weather conditions, while some bus routes will operate from the Floriana granaries. Festivals Malta, Transport Malta, Malta Public Transport and Carnival stakeholders confirmed in a joint statement that several route buses will be diverted to the Floriana granaries area until February 17 at 6pm.
The temporary arrangement is intended to protect Carnival infrastructure while maintaining transport services for commuters during the period of heightened weather risk.
