Severe Weather Hits Spain: Cantabria Bears the Brunt of Storms Éowyn and Herminia

As the first month of 2025 comes to a close, Spain, particularly the northern regions, has been grappling with a series of intense storms that have brought unprecedented weather conditions. The latest in this series of storms has left Cantabria and other northern regions reeling.

Storm Éowyn's Impact

The chaos began with Storm Éowyn, a powerful meteorological phenomenon that formed over the Atlantic and intensified through explosive cyclogenesis. This storm, which had already battered parts of the UK and Ireland with winds reaching up to 200km/h and waves over 15 metres high, extended its impact to Spain. Although its main path did not directly cross Spain, the proximity of the storm still generated severe weather conditions across many Spanish regions.

In Spain, the first rainfall associated with Éowyn was noticed on January 24 in Galicia, progressively extending towards Asturias and the northwest of Castilla y León. Cantabria was among the most severely impacted areas, with wind gusts exceeding 100km/h and heavy rainfall that could exceed 1000mm in some areas by the weekend[1].

Storm Herminia Takes Over

As Storm Éowyn began to lose intensity, Storm Herminia rolled in, promising even more severe weather. Herminia made landfall on January 26, bringing torrential rain, gale-force winds, and monster waves up to 10 metres tall. Galicia was once again on high alert, with a red alert issued for severe coastal conditions and orange warnings for strong winds and heavy rain extended to Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Navarra, and La Rioja[5].

Cantabria, already battered by Éowyn, faced another round of intense weather. The region recorded some of the highest precipitation levels in Spain, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms adding to the drama. Winds from the south and southwest intensified, whipping into hurricane-level gusts in exposed areas like mountain peaks and headlands.

Current Situation with Storm Ivo

Just as Herminia began to subside, Spain is now bracing for Storm Ivo, which is expected to hit from January 29. Ivo, named by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, is forecast to bring strong winds, high waves, and significant snowfall. The storm will primarily affect the northern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, with Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country expected to be the worst-hit regions.

Wind gusts of up to 100km/h and waves reaching 9 metres are forecast, with red warnings issued for coastal areas in these regions. Heavy rainfall is expected in western Galicia, the west of the Sistema Central, and parts of Andalusia, leading to potential flooding. Snow levels are expected to drop to between 700-900 metres, with significant snow accumulations in the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees[3][4].

Precautions and Advice

Given the severity of these storms, residents and visitors in the affected regions are advised to take necessary precautions. Here are some key steps to ensure safety:

• Secure Outdoor Items: Ensure any loose objects outside homes are secured to prevent damage from strong winds.
• Avoid Coastal Areas: Avoid coastal areas due to high waves and potential flooding.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Frequently check for the latest weather updates and warnings.
• Drive Cautiously: Drive slowly and carefully, especially in areas where winds could damage trees near roads.
• Stay Indoors: Only go outside if it is urgent, and take extra care in exposed and mountainous areas.

As Spain navigates through this intense storm season, staying informed and taking necessary precautions is crucial to ensuring safety and minimizing the impact of these severe weather conditions.