Snow storm forecast to hit today

The Balearics will today remain on weather alert with the worst of the weekend's cold snap forecast to hit the region. Yesterday Cataluña was cut off from the rest of the country by heavy snow and deep drifts and the bad weather will today move across the waters to the Balearics. Snow is forecast for today at 900 metres and Majorca can brace itself for severe storms accompanied by 80 kilometre per hour north easterly winds. Temperatures fell to freezing yesterday as everybody wrapped up to brave the biting cold. Civil Protection and all the emergency services will be on red alert today and last night the Balearic government re-issued a set of warnings. Apart from keeping a close eye on or ear to the television and radio weather forecasts, do not seek shelter from the storms under trees, balconies or walls. Furthermore, do not touch any cables or electricity lines. If out on the roads - and as soon as it snows, there will be hundreds eager to see the snow - drivers are urged to proceed with extreme precaution and keep a good distance back from the car in front. Cyclists and motorcyclists are warned to make sure they are wearing the proper clothing and to beware of high vehicles in the strong winds. Drivers should check their brakes, tyre pressure, anti-freeze and make sure the car has enough petrol in the tank before setting out today and to beware of black ice on the roads. Should any drivers get trapped in a snow storm, keep the engine running with the heating going, but do not fall asleep. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked and allow fresh air to flow through the interior of the car at regular intervals.