Storm Harry Dumps Heavy Snow on Andorra, Tourist Coaches Block Roads

**Storm Harry brings heavier-than-expected snow to Andorra, with tourist coaches blocking key roads**

Storm Harry delivered widespread snowfalls across Andorra on Tuesday, surpassing initial forecasts with accumulations up to 26 centimetres at Envalira and 25 at Caborreu. The moist east wind lowered the snow line temporarily, allowing flakes to reach central parishes by midday before conditions eased in the afternoon. Heavier deposits hit eastern stations, including 22 centimetres at Fontverd, 20 at Grau Roig, and 17 at Engolasters, while lower areas like Solana, Sorteny, Ransol, and Bony de les Neres recorded 5 to 16 centimetres. Total snowpack now exceeds one metre in places above 2,000 metres, sustaining level 4 avalanche risk out of 5 above 2,100 metres due to wind slabs and fresh layers.

Road networks faced severe disruptions, particularly on northern routes. At Canillo's Trava area on the CG-2, more than a dozen Spanish-plated coaches without chains or winter tyres stalled around 9:45am, blocking lanes and causing over-hour-long tailbacks up to Aldosa. Police and traffic services intervened, issuing eight 500-euro fines to foreign buses over 3.5 tonnes, plus six more in La Massana for similar violations. One coach broke down, and two required towing; snowploughs cleared the jam by 11am. Eyewitnesses reported private cars halting to fit equipment, worsening queues into Canillo. Yellow-phase restrictions—requiring special gear—persisted on CG-2 from Envalira and Canillo, CG-3 at El Serrat and La Cortinada, and CG-4/CG-5 at Pal and Erts. French access roads RN22, RN20, and RN320 demand winter tyres or chains, banning trucks over 19 tonnes. Speed limits drop to 60km/h, with no motorcycles or abrupt manoeuvres allowed.

Wednesday brings preventive closures: RN20 and RN320 shut from 8:15am to 9am between L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and Exergue parking for avalanche blasts in Haute-Ariège (level 3 risk there). Controlled releases are scheduled at Soldeu overnight into 7:30am, Arcalís' Hortell area, and Gavatxa near Pas de la Casa.

Civil protection advises checking road conditions, maintaining distance from ploughs, and avoiding steep off-piste terrain without shovels, probes, and transceivers. Urban councils in Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and La Massana spread salt on streets and pavements, urging residents to clear sidewalks and park responsibly. Snow should stop soon, with clearer skies Wednesday before light rain Thursday night, possibly turning to snow above 1,200 metres into Friday.

Ski resorts such as Grandvalira and Pal-Arinsal report excellent piste conditions from one of the best winters in a decade.