Severe Winter Storm Disrupts Spanish Transportation with 45 Roads Closed

Spain is currently facing significant transportation disruptions due to a severe winter storm impacting multiple regions. On Saturday, a brief period of high pressure temporarily lessened rainfall, yet the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has warned that a humid air mass will bring further rain across most of the country on Sunday, with exceptions for the Mediterranean region. Strong winds remain a major concern, particularly in the eastern Cantabrian region, the Mediterranean coast, and the Balearic Islands.

The storm has led to 45 roads being affected by snow and ice, with 13 roadways completely closed in areas including Navarra and Extremadura. Tarragona was severely impacted by wind gusts exceeding 120 km/h, resulting in 167 emergency calls due to fallen trees and debris, though no injuries have been reported. In the Balearic Islands, adverse weather conditions caused 90 storm-related incidents, notably affecting air travel operations in Palma and Ibiza.

The heavy rainfall combined with melting snow has caused the Duero river in Zamora to swell to a flow rate of 450 cubic meters per second, leading to flooding in surrounding areas and prompting authorities to advise caution near the riverbanks.

Snow levels are rising, expected to move from 1,100-1,300 meters in the morning to 2,000-2,200 meters in central Spain by the afternoon, and 1,600-1,800 meters in the Pyrenees. Temperatures will see slight increases on the Peninsula and Balearics, with minor declines in the eastern third. Morning fog is anticipated along the Atlantic slope, alongside weak frosts in some mountainous regions.

This ongoing severe weather is continuously testing Spain's emergency responses and transportation infrastructure, as authorities monitor conditions to mitigate further disruptions and maintain public safety.