Andorra Issues Orange Alert for Goretti Storm's Heavy Snow and Winds

Andorra's meteorological service maintains an orange alert for heavy snow and strong winds above 2,100 metres in northern parishes, alongside a nationwide yellow alert, as the Goretti storm continues to bring intense snowfall into Sunday morning. Civil Protection remains in prealert status, with over 50cm accumulations recorded in 24 hours at locations including Fonts d'Arinsal (53cm), Sorteny (51cm), and Grau Roig (39cm), plus gusts up to 138 km/h at Tossa d'Espiolets.

The storm hit as forecast Thursday afternoon, with snow above 1,200-1,300 metres and rain below. French officials closed access to Pas de la Casa around 6pm, keeping RN22 and RN320 at Coll de Puymorens shut. A crash near Tarter exit on CG-2 at 3:45pm caused material damage only. Mobility services mandated winter equipment from Pal, el Serrat, and Canillo, expanding yellow phase requirements across the full network by evening as snow levels dropped.

Friday saw initial weak northern showers from 1,300 metres, intensifying nationwide by midday with levels falling below 900 metres. Trouble spots emerged on Encamp's CG-2 variant and routes between Escaldes-Engordany and Encamp, where unequipped vehicles caused queues and blockages. By Saturday morning, yellow phase continued from Escaldes toward northern valleys and on CG-2 from Encamp, with Pas de la Casa streets blocked and higher ski lifts restricted due to wind. Andorra la Vella recorded around 20cm, amid lows of -4ºC and highs of -3ºC.

Projections forecast up to 90cm at 2,500 metres in the north, over 50cm above 2,100 metres, 40cm at 2,000 metres, 20cm at 1,500 metres, and 5-7cm at 1,000 metres by Saturday morning. Northwest winds gusted to 40 km/h in valleys and 90-100 km/h at peaks Friday, easing to 30 km/h in valleys and 70 km/h at altitude Saturday, with blowing snow reducing visibility in higher areas. Snow eases in the south Saturday but lingers north until evening, ending Sunday morning.

Avalanche risk stays at maximum level 4 in the north until Sunday dawn, due to fresh snow and wind forming large slabs on northeast-to-southwest slopes that could reach valleys and roads. Level 3 applies elsewhere, with natural releases possible in poor visibility. Off-piste travel is banned; COEX monitors for preventive blasts.

Civil Protection, coordinating with meteorological, mobility, COEX, and emergency teams, advises checking the mobility app and www.meteo.ad, using winter tyres or chains, prioritising public transport, securing properties, limiting trips, and dressing warmly. For mountains: stay on ski resort marked runs, travel in groups with DVA, shovel, probe, and share plans. Forecasts show lows of 1ºC in Andorra la Vella, -2ºC at 1,500 metres, and -10ºC to -12ºC at Pas de la Casa; highs of 6ºC in Andorra la Vella, 4ºC at 1,500 metres, and -5ºC to 2ºC at Pas de la Casa.