Man dies as high winds hit Spain

MADRID, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- A 56-year-old man died on Wednesday when he was blown off the balcony of his home by high winds, Catalan authorities have confirmed.

The accident happened as the man was attempting to carry out repairs to his home in the town of Segur de Calafell, Tarranoga province, as winds of over 100 kilometers per hour were measured in the province.

The high winds are the result of a storm christened "Bruno", which has caused problems all over Spain, with winds of up to 140 kilometers an hour along the north coast regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Region.

50 Spanish provinces, including nearly all of the country's coastal areas have been placed on alert, with waves measuring up to 10 meters predicted, while the high winds have also caused disruption to air traffic as 10 flights bound for Bilbao's Loiu airport were diverted.

Northern regions are also on alert for snowfall, which could see between 10-30 centimeters of snow accumulate over the next 24 hours in areas over 800 meters above sea level.

Spanish Civil Protection agencies have advised people to ensure doors and windows are tightly closed, and avoid walking close to trees, high walls, scaffolding, cranes or buildings which are under construction. Enditem