Red alert holiday warning with 16 inches of snow forecast in Majorca

MAJORCA was hit by snow today – and forecasters warned up to 16 inches could fall in 24 hours.

A red weather alert was issued as Storm Juliette slammed into the Balearic islands bringing blizzards and a -2C chill.

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Residents were told to stay indoors and some roads were closed due to dangerous conditions.

Towns across Majorca including Valldemossa and Lluc were covered with a blanket of snow after the storm hit.

Spain’s AEMET meteorological service said yesterday 16 inches of snow would fall in the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range in the north of the island within 24 hours. 

Lower areas will also be hit by snow although not in such extreme quantities.

The storm was also set to bring huge waves, icy winds of 50mph and heavy rain until Thursday.

Storm Juliette also hit mainland Spain, bringing heavy snowfalls across the country and cold weather alerts in 30 provinces.

Lleida in Catalonia recorded -18.6C early this morning, according to AEMET.

Meanwhile hundreds of people in Croatia spent the night in their cars or at petrol stations after a sudden snowstorm cut off roads.

Railway lines were also blocked and some towns were without power.

It comes weeks after Malaga and party island Ibiza were hit by snow and below-freezing temperatures.