The Granada Mountains in Spain will be closed to snowmobiles and other heavy vehicles on Sunday, with the national park warning that “serious and life-threatening consequences” will result if vehicles drive into the mountain.
The storm is expected to hit Spain from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean on Sunday afternoon and will affect several European countries.
A number of Spanish cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Barcelona-Santa-Málaga will also see heavy snowfall as the weather worsens.
Snowmobiles are banned in Granada mountains due to snow and ice conditions.
The National Park Service said that a “winter storm” is a “dangerous event”, as it is “extremely difficult” to predict when it will happen.
The agency said: “The snow will be very heavy in many areas, with some areas of the mountains reaching 40cm (17in).”
It will be a storm of heavy snow and strong winds, with high winds and high temperatures.
“The National Parks, Wildlife Areas and Conservation Areas will be in the strongest position to protect themselves.”
The agency warned that people travelling in the area should wear “life-saving” clothing, avoid driving and avoid all travel to the mountain in the coming days.
It urged all people with medical conditions or who have been exposed to extreme weather conditions to seek medical attention.
“Winter storms may result in a number of serious and life threatening consequences, which could include hospitalisation, respiratory problems, coma, and death,” the agency said.
More to come.