Spain red weather warning as Storm Kirk triggers 'extreme risk to life' alert

Tourists in Spain were warned of an "extreme risk to life" yesterday as battered the country with winds exceeding 120mph (200km/hr) - and more storms are still expected.

National weather agency AEMET upgraded its warnings in many parts of northern to red alert, where hurricane-force winds led to landslides, flash floods, and many flights being cancelled or diverted.

Oviedo and Gijon, situated on the northern peninsula of Spain facing the Atlantic sea, were placed under the maximum warning for ferocious winds of 84mph (140km/hr).

AEMET has reduced its storm warnings to yellow for Thursday and Friday, but winds are expected to batter the Atlantic coast once again on Saturday with an amber alert.

On Friday, the west of Galicia and Atlantic Andalucia could be victim again to more persistent rainfall and thunderstorms, and heavy showers may pour over the Catalan coasts.

Saturday's amber alert could see heavy rainfall and storms along the Atlantic coast in the northeast of the country extending to the Pyrenees, as well as Atlantic Andalusia in the south.

The Canary Islands could also experience rainfall in the north, while other areas aren't "ruled out".

Tourists and residents have been advised by authorities to avoid unnecessary journeys and to take extreme precautions, especially on roads.