Storm Nils Causes Disruption and Injuries in Catalonia

On February 12, 2026, powerful winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) struck Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia, resulting in significant disruptions and injuries. The storm, named Nils, led to the injury of at least 86 individuals, with three sustaining serious injuries. The winds prompted school closures, flight cancellations, and emergency responses across the region.

Strong winds disrupt flights, injuring dozens in Spain

Gusts reached a peak of 105 kilometers per hour at Barcelona's port, causing extensive damage by toppling trees and walls. The Catalan civil protection agency reported that 34 individuals required hospitalization, with two in serious condition and one in critical condition. At Barcelona's El Prat airport, which is Spain's second busiest, 101 flights were canceled and 10 were diverted due to the adverse weather conditions. Additionally, some roads and rail lines experienced disruptions, further complicating travel in the area.

The Straits Times

Authorities in Catalonia, home to approximately eight million residents, suspended classes and non-urgent medical appointments. They urged residents to limit movement until the winds were expected to subside later that evening. Nuria Parlon, the head of the region's interior department, noted that reducing travel helped prevent a higher number of accidents.

The Local (Spain)

Storm Nils follows a series of extreme weather events that have affected Spain and Portugal, including severe flooding that has claimed lives and necessitated evacuations. In Portugal, flooding caused the partial collapse of a highway viaduct between Lisbon and Porto, while in southwestern France, a truck driver was killed by a falling tree, and approximately 900,000 homes lost power. Meteorologists have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to climate change driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions.

The Local (Spain)

Sarai Sarroca, the director of Catalonia's meteorological service, described the wind event as "exceptional" for the region. Authorities emphasized the importance of public safety and the need for residents to stay indoors during the storm.

Strong winds disrupt flights, injuring dozens in Spain

While the immediate response to the storm has focused on safety and recovery, some critics have raised concerns about the long-term preparedness of infrastructure to handle such extreme weather events. They argue that more proactive measures are necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable communities.

Strong winds disrupt flights, injuring dozens in Spain

There are discrepancies in reported figures regarding the number of injuries and flight cancellations. While some sources indicate that 86 people were injured, others report lower figures, such as 25. Additionally, the number of flights canceled varies between reports, highlighting the need for clearer communication from authorities.

Naharnet

• “The strong wind episode was “exceptional” for Barcelona and its metropolitan area, said the director of Catalonia’s meteorological service, Sarai Sarroca.” — Sarai Sarroca, Director of Catalonia’s Meteorological Service

The Straits Times

• “By reducing their travel, people helped prevent a higher number of accidents, the head of the region's interior department, Nuria Parlon, told a news conference.” — Nuria Parlon, Head of Catalonia’s Interior Department

The Local (Spain)

The storm's aftermath continues to unfold as authorities assess the damage and implement recovery efforts in the affected areas.

The Straits Times