Andorra Issues Yellow Alert for Winds, Rain and Snow as Cold Front Lowers Snow Levels
Servei Meteorològic d’Andorra activates yellow alert from this afternoon until midnight due to intense precipitation from an Atlantic cold front,.
Key Points
- Yellow alert for strong winds, heavy rain and snow effective from afternoon until midnight.
- Snow levels drop from 2,100m to 1,200m overnight due to Atlantic cold front.
- Avalanche risk at level 3 nationwide; caution urged in mountains.
- Andorra resorts lead with 250cm snow depth at Ordino Arcalís amid wintry shifts.
**Andorra yellow alert issued for winds, rain and snow as cold front lowers snow levels**
The Servei Meteorològic d’Andorra has activated a yellow alert for strong winds, heavy rain and snow across the country, effective from this afternoon and extending at least until midnight. A cold front linked to an Atlantic disturbance will drive intense evening precipitation, pushing snow levels down sharply—from around 2,100 metres this morning to 1,800 metres in the afternoon and as low as 1,200 metres overnight. Westerly gusts will intensify wintry conditions at altitude, further destabilising the snowpack. Avalanche risk remains at level 3 nationwide, according to the latest bulletin dated 1 February and valid through 2 February.
Today’s Candelera brought initial warm front activity with high snow levels, but evening shifts to colder air will spark heavy downpours, possible rain-snow mixes and stronger gusts. The alert covers rain and winds until midnight, with avalanche warnings persisting into Tuesday. Protecció Civil urges caution in mountains, recommending limited non-essential travel and adherence to avalanche bulletins amid sudden snow level drops that could disrupt mobility.
Sunday offered a brief respite, with clouds parting for afternoon sun and stable skiing conditions. Ordino Arcalís leads global snow rankings at 250cm depth, followed closely by Grandvalira at 240cm, positioning Andorra among Europe’s top resorts and the Iberian Peninsula’s prime winter sports destination.
This follows Saturday’s yellow alert for heavy snow and winds, where gusts hit 98 km/h at high points like Fonts d’Arinsal and 61 km/h in valleys such as Roc de Sant Pere. Those winds redistributed up to 35cm of fresh snow above 2,500m, leading to chain checks near La Massana, Encamp and La Cortinada.
Looking ahead, milder temperatures will lift snow levels through the week, though new fronts are forecast for Thursday and Sunday, with widespread snow on several days until 10 February. Models signal cooler, more wintery patterns from next week. The Servei Meteorològic advises vigilance for shifting snow lines and incoming systems.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Diari d'Andorra•
Espanya es prepara per a una altra setmana marcada per pluges i vents intensos
- Altaveu•
Avís groc per ventades i pluges a partir d'aquesta tarda
- Diari d'Andorra•
Avís groc per fort vent, pluja i perill d'allaus a tot el país
- El Periòdic•
El Servei Meteorològic alerta de l’arribada d’un front fred i activa un nou avís groc i manté el risc d’allaus en nivell 3
- ARA•
Previsions de nevades generalitzades diferents dies fins al 10 de febrer
- Diari d'Andorra•
Andorra registra gruixos de neu destacats en una jornada de sol abans de l’arribada d’un nou front
- Altaveu•
La neu que s'ha intensificat aquesta tarda torna a portar controls d'equipaments a la carretera
- ARA•
Nevades generalitzades dissabte a partir dels 1.100 metres
- El Periòdic•
El pas d’un front activa un avís groc per neu, vent fort i risc d’allaus a tot el país per a aquest cap de setmana