Information updated on Thursday, 12 February, at 18 am.

A new episode of strong gales arrives on Thursday, 12 February, with gusts of over 108 kmh, which is why a series of measures have been taken to minimise risks:

• School classes haven been suspended, as have non-urgent medical visits, social and healthcare support, sports and cultural activities. Other activities suspended include all the festive activities for Santa Eulàlia and Carnival planned for Thursday. Primary healthcare centres are open.
• All non-urban natural spaces and parks will be closed and activities in them prohibited.
• People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on bikes and motorcycles, meaning the Bicing service is suspended. All other public transport is open, to guarantee essential journeys.
• People are advised to work from home wherever possible.
• In coordination with the Government of Catalonia, we are boosting essential services for safety, civil protection, firefighting and emergency social and medical services: GUB, SPEIS and emergency social and healthcare services. All other public-facing services are closed and replanning their programmes.
• The Emergency Night Shelter (CANE) and the Accident and Emergency Centre at the Hospital Dos de Maig will be open, during the day too, as well as daytime centres, allowing access without an appointment until capacity is reached. Primary residential reception centres will also be open.
• A special shelter operation has been set up for the homeless, managed by the Red Cross, and will be open until Friday, 13 February, at 9 am. It is located in the Pvaelló Itàlia and is aimed at adults, available at any time while the emergency lasts.
• Soup kitchens will remain 100% operative, as will the Meals at Home service. Meals in Company cannot be offered as municipal facilities will be closed.
• The Telecare service will be operating normally.
• All public libraries in the city will be closed.
• Cemeteries will be temporarily closed. Burial services will continue as planned, with funeral processions and following all protective measures.
• Municipal markets will be open but following all recommendation from civil protection and paying attention to the evolution of the alert.
• Works in public space have been suspended, from midnight last night to 8 pm this evening, except for essential works.

During gales, the following recommendations are issued:

At home

• Avoid high places which are exposed to winds, such as terraces, scaffolding or similar.
• Remove plant pots and other objects which could fall from windowsills and balconies.
• Check antennas and air-conditioning units located outside the home.
• Make sure windows and doors are properly closed.
• Lower blinds and close awnings.

Outside

• It is advisable to keep clear of cornices, walls and trees which may fall.
• Extra caution when circulating next to buildings under construction or where work is being carried.
• Extra caution during activities outdoors.
• Caution with vehicles parked in the street. The wind can blow mopeds and elements of urban furniture over.
• Try to keep away from the beach. Gale force winds often cause tidal surges and high waves.

For full safety recommendations check the Barcelona Fire Service website.

In an emergency, call 112.