Hundreds of thousands of people were left without electricity in northeastern Spain on Tuesday after heavy snow and rainfall.

Four people have been killed by Storm Gloria since Sunday, with high winds, whiteout snow conditions and freezing temperatures hitting the Mediterranean coast.

Image: Tthe Petroleum (Petroleo) bridge during the storm in Badalona

Image: Big waves at the Port Olympic marina in Barcelona

In Girona, 220,000 people were left without power, according to emergency services.

More than 1,600 miles (2,600km) of roads have been covered with snow.

Airport operator Aena had to close Alicante airport for 24 hours over the weekend as the bad weather hit, disrupting more than 150 flights.


Valencia and the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Formentera have so far had the worst of Storm Gloria but the bad weather will continue until Wednesday.

Image: Wind and rain lash the trees in El Bogatell beach in Barcelona

Spain's national weather agency declared a red alert as it forecast 80mph (130kmh) winds and waves of up to 7m (23ft).

A man was killed in Asturias, in the northwest, after being hit by a car during the storm. Local media said he was hit while fitting snow chains to his car.

A 63-year-old man died at home after being hit by roof tiles lifted by a gust of wind, according to the mayor of the town of Pedro Bernardo.

Image: Four people have died in the storm

The unusually cold weather was also blamed for the death of a 54-year-old homeless woman in Gandia, near Valencia.

The mayor of Moixent, in Valencia, said a man died after he was found outside his home showing signs of hypothermia.

Catalonia's regional government has ordered a ban on outdoor activities in Girona, Barcelona and central regions.Those who don't comply might be fined.

At least 120 councils have suspended schools while the storm rages.

Several roads in Valencia and the Catalan Pyrenees were closed.