Storm Leonardo Dumps Heavy Snow on Andorra, Causing Road Chaos

Storm Leonardo brought unexpectedly heavy, wet snow to Andorra on Thursday, with the snow line dropping below 1,000m—far lower than initial forecasts of high-altitude flurries. Driven by a humid southwesterly flow, the storm caused widespread road chaos, including vehicle skids, heavy traffic and mandatory equipment checks by police.

Snow began lightly around 10am across nearly all elevations, reaching Andorra la Vella, Encamp and higher parishes. It intensified midday before the line rose to 1,600-1,900m. Residents captured images of blanketed streets on Avinguda Meritxell, Engolasters roads, Aldosa de Canillo, paths to FEDA, Pont de les dues Valires, plus areas in Encamp and La Massana.

Meteorological Service data showed accumulations of 15cm at Caborreu in Sant Julià de Lòria—pushing seasonal totals there above 80cm, close to the 91cm record from Storm Gloria in January 2020. Other peaks included 13cm at Setúria in La Massana, 12cm in FEDA and Ransol, 11cm in Engolasters, 10cm at Bony de les Neres in Ordino, 9cm at Tossa d'Espinets and 6cm in Sorteny.

Mobility Services issued yellow alerts early afternoon, starting from Andorra la Vella northward until about 4:15pm, then shifting higher. By evening, restrictions targeted Port d'Envalira, CG-3 from Serrat, CG-4 from Pal, CG-2 from Tarter, CG-3 from Llorts and CG-5 from Arinsal. Rules included 60km/h limits, bans on motorcycles, mopeds and personal mobility vehicles, plus required winter tyres or chains from Meritxell and Arinsal upward. Police inspected vehicles on Avinguda Tarragona amid backups there and northbound jams on CG-1 at Avinguda Salou. The French RN-20 remained closed due to a landslide, while RN-320 at Coll de Puymorens needed gear. Gusts hit 90km/h at height, with avalanche risk at 3/5 above 2,100m.

Precipitation eased evening with brief clears, resuming lightly near midnight above 1,200-1,500m. Friday brought cold air and widespread clearing, though clouds built overnight with possible flurries above 1,200m into Saturday ahead of Storm Marta. Thursday highs reached 6°C in Andorra la Vella, 4°C at 1,500m and -1°C at Pas de la Casa; lows fell to -5°C at Pas, -4°C at 1,500m and 0°C in the capital. Friday forecasts called for 10°C highs in the capital, 7°C at 1,500m and -2°C at Pas, with lows of -6°C at Pas, -3°C at 1,500m and 1°C in Andorra la Vella.

Authorities urged caution, slower speeds and greater following distances. La Massana snow crews had cleared over 5,000km this winter amid frequent heavy falls.