Storm Erminio Cripples Andorra Roads and Ski Resorts Amid Heavy Snow and Avalanches

Storm Erminio continues to disrupt Andorra's roads and ski operations, with Port d'Envalira on Carretera General 2 remaining closed under black-phase restrictions due to heavy snow and high avalanche risk. Protecció Civil has activated a prealert for widespread snow starting Wednesday midday, extending nationwide until Thursday morning before concentrating in the north, accompanied by strong northerly winds and avalanche danger rising to level 4 out of 5 in northern areas.

Mobilitat maintains yellow-phase measures—requiring winter tyres or chains, 60 km/h speed limits, and bans on motorcycles, mopeds, personal mobility vehicles, and trucks over 19 tonnes—on Carretera General 2 from Canillo toward Pas de la Casa, El Tarter northward, and Arcalís access; Carretera General 3 from Arans and Serrat; and Carretera General 4 from Pal toward Coll de la Botella. Port de Cabús stays closed for the season. Equipment checks in Canillo are causing ongoing queues between Canillo and Soldeu, and Meritxell and El Tarter northward. French border roads RN-22, RN-20, and RN-320 mirror these rules, with RN-320 at Coll de Puymorens closed.

Earlier impacts included a Sunday morning crash on CG-2 between Bordes d'Envalira and Soldeu, where a French-registered car collided with a Pas de la Casa bus, injuring the 24-year-old driver lightly before hospital transfer; the road was briefly shut with alternating traffic afterward. Firefighters removed a loose facade panel in Serradells amid gusts over 120 km/h. Visibility dropped sharply in spots like Soldeu from snow and wind.

Ski resorts faced closures: Ordino Arcalís and Naturland shut fully, Grandvalira limited to lower slopes with sector links closed and buses for skiers, and Pal Arinsal ran only seven pistes in Pal sector with the Arinsal cable car halted. Road crews have conducted preventive avalanche blasts at sites including Fonts and Soldeu, causing temporary closures and queues.

Meteo forecasts snow down to 1,200m—rising briefly to 1,500-1,600m Wednesday evening— with up to 40cm accumulation at 1,500m, 55cm at 2,000m, 65cm+ above 2,500m, and 70cm in 24 hours or 100cm in 48 hours at peaks. Winds could hit 70-80 km/h in valleys and 100-120 km/h at height through Friday. An orange snow alert activates north from Wednesday, turning yellow centrally by 9pm; yellow wind warning ends Thursday morning.

Protecció Civil urges limiting mountain activities to ski resort pistes, securing balcony objects, closing windows, prioritising public transport, checking Mobilitat app updates, and ensuring vehicle equipment. COEX monitors roads for potential further blasts. Conditions ease Thursday with clearing skies elsewhere, improving markedly Friday under high pressure with warmer temperatures up to 14°C in Andorra la Vella. Authorities advise avoiding unnecessary high-route travel.