A strong summer storm has toppled several trees in the Santa Eulàlia neighbourhood of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Civil Protection has activated alerts and is urging caution.
The Santa Eulàlia neighbourhood of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat has been the epicentre of the damage caused by a storm that hit hard this afternoon. Wind gusts, which may have reached 100 kilometres per hour, have brought down several trees in the streets and squares of the area, although no injuries have been reported so far.
About twenty emergency calls to the Fire Brigade
The Fire Brigade of the Generalitat has received around twenty emergency calls between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, mostly regarding fallen trees and objects in public spaces. Sources from the service confirm that there have been no personal injuries, although cleaning teams are already working to remove the debris.
The Catalonia Operational Coordination Centre (CECAT) has contacted the municipalities of L'Hospitalet and Barcelona to assess the situation. In total, 112 has received over eighty calls related to the strong winds on the central coast.
A possible 'downburst' as the cause
On social media, weather enthusiasts are pointing to a possible 'downburst', a phenomenon where a column of cold, heavy air descends rapidly from a storm cloud and spreads out upon hitting the ground. This phenomenon can generate destructive winds exceeding 100 km/h, which would explain the severity of the gusts.
Civil Protection has urged people to take extra precautions outdoors and in mobility, especially in coastal areas, where the storms have been more intense. Residents of L'Hospitalet have shared images of the fallen trees on social media, showcasing the magnitude of the incident.
No personal injuries but public disruptions
Despite the intensity of the wind, no injuries have been reported in the municipality. However, the falling trees have necessitated the closure of some streets and have affected parked vehicles. Municipal services are already working to restore normalcy.
The storm, which had already hit Tarragona by midday, moved north during the afternoon, bringing showers and wind to the coastline. Although forecasts had already predicted rain, the strength of the wind surprised both meteorologists and the public.
Those affected can contact the L'Hospitalet City Council to report damages to properties or vehicles. It is recommended to avoid walking through wooded areas until emergency teams have assessed the safety of the damaged trees.
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