A powerful storm referred to as Storm Nils hit a favorite vacation spot for Finns in Spain on Thursday, with wind gusts in Catalonia exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, and recorded gusts reaching up to 167 kilometers per hour in Montseny. The extreme weather has led to at least nine individuals requiring hospitalization due to accidents caused by the strong winds, with reports indicating some of these injuries are serious.

The storm severely disrupted air and rail traffic on Thursday, with Barcelona experiencing the cancellation of at least 101 flights. In light of the hazardous conditions, Spanish authorities advised individuals to avoid unnecessary travel, a warning that was later lifted. Travelers and locals are still urged to remain cautious as further strong gusts of wind are forecasted for Friday and Saturday, even though the most intense phase of the storm has passed.

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issued lighter orange and yellow warnings for strong winds across parts of the country, reflecting ongoing concerns about weather safety. This incident underscores the impact of severe weather on travel plans and public safety, especially in popular tourist areas that draw significant numbers of visitors, including a large number of Finnish tourists.