Andorra activates nationwide yellow phase — drivers must carry winter equipment

Andorran mobility and civil protection authorities have activated a nationwide yellow phase requiring drivers to carry winter equipment after a succession of fronts brought widespread snowfall, colder temperatures and strong winds. The measure applies to roads across the Principality and is intended to keep vehicles prepared as conditions change rapidly.

Snow has fallen at all altitudes, with the heaviest accumulations reported around Pas de la Casa where visibility and road conditions were severely affected and snowploughs worked continuously. Meteorologists say the most intense periods of precipitation should occur overnight and into tomorrow morning, and that snowfall may be intermittent so drivers should keep equipment readily available.

A yellow wind alert is in force until midday, with gusts forecast to reach around 70 km/h in central valleys and exceed 100 km/h at altitude. Valley bottoms will see lower but still disruptive gusts. Mobility services have maintained the yellow requirement on key routes including the General 2 at the Envalira pass, the General 4 at the access to Coll de la Botella and the General 3 from El Serrat.

The meteorological service has raised the avalanche risk to 3 out of 5 in the northern sector and 2 out of 5 elsewhere. Officials warn that dangerous areas include the vicinity of pistes, entries to gullies and hollows where persistent weak layers remain; the snowpack is unstable in parts of the north and the south‑east. Snow depths exceed 60 cm above 2,500 m in the north.

Ski operators are monitoring conditions closely. Grandvalira Resorts said recent natural snowfall, supported by artificial snow where needed, could allow some sectors to open before the official season start. Ordino‑Arcalís and the central sector of Pas de la Casa are the first candidates. Grandvalira has also invested in snowmaking and infrastructure upgrades this season, including new and more efficient snow cannons, expanded water reservoirs and a pilot Mobile Pass for lift access by phone.

Forecasts indicate a warm front will graze the Pyrenees tonight, bringing light precipitation mainly to the north and lifting the snowline to about 1,700 m; freezing rain cannot be ruled out in places. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise compared with recent days, but nights will remain cold, keeping the risk of icy stretches on treated and untreated roads.

Authorities and emergency services urge motorists to follow real‑time advisories, carry and know how to use snow chains and winter equipment, avoid non‑essential travel in exposed mountain areas, and drive with caution.