Storm Kirk brings hurricane-force winds to Spain, red alert in Cantabria

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Storm Kirk, the remains of a former hurricane, has unleashed hurricane-force winds across Spain, with the northern peninsula bearing the brunt of the impact, local media said on Wednesday.

Wind gusts of up to 205 km/h were recorded in the Picos de Europa mountains, while populated areas such as Medina de Pomar in Burgos saw gusts of 129 km/h, the Spanish news agency EFE reported, citing the country's meteorological agency Aemet's statement.

The Aemet also issued a red alert in Cantabria, indicating "extreme risk," while Asturias, Castilla y Leon, Galicia, Navarra, the Basque Country, and La Rioja are still on orange alert due to heavy rains, high winds, and dangerous coastal conditions.

Aemet spokesperson Ruben Del Campo has warned that "a major gale" is expected in Cantabria and the Basque Country, with gusts potentially exceeding 110 km/h, the news agency reported.

The storm has also brought heavy rains, with Santiago de Compostela and Vigo receiving more than 70 liters per square meter in 12 hours.

Del Campo emphasized that winds would continue to pose the greatest threat before subsiding later in the day as the storm moved northeast.

Rainfall is expected to decrease by Thursday.