On the impact of Gloria storm in the Catalan Central Coast

Abstract

At the end of January 2020, a synoptic situation defined by the presence of a powerful cyclone located in the south of the Balearic Islands generated a storm of high intensity wind, snow and precipitation, known as Gloria (Jacob in United States of America and Canada). The Catalan coast was one of the most affected in Spain. This paper deals with the study of the socioeconomic consequences of Gloria on the Barcelona coast, that is, in the coastal municipalities of Maresme, Barcelonès, Baix Llobregat and Garraf.

The analytical approach uses official sources from the Catalan administration. Public management has been evaluated both during and after the episode. Gloria storm provides endless discussion points that can only be solved through a good understanding between experts, technicians and public officers.

Keywords: Gloria Storm, Catalan Central Coast, coastal municipalities, public management, social perception of risk.