Severe Winter Storm Francis Sweeps Across Spain, Disrupting Reyes Magos Festivities and Transport
Borrasca Francis brings snow, freezing temperatures, and significant disruptions across Spain, impacting Reyes Magos celebrations and transport operations.
- • Borrasca Francis causes widespread snow, rain, and record low temperatures across Spain.
- • AEMET issues yellow and orange weather alerts; lows of -10°C predicted in some regions.
- • Transport Ministry deploys 659 snowplows and large quantities of de-icing materials for road safety.
- • Granada's Reyes Magos parade shortened but draws large, enthusiastic crowds amid adverse weather.
- • Authorities emphasize preventive safety measures amid coldest Reyes Day in 40 years.
Key details
Spain is grappling with the effects of Borrasca Francis, a severe winter storm bringing widespread snow, heavy rain, and plunging temperatures across multiple regions including Madrid, Segovia, Málaga, Cádiz, and Granada. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow and orange alerts, forecasting temperatures to fall as low as -10°C in some areas, with Sierra de Madrid expecting lows of -6°C overnight. Authorities have deployed significant resources to manage the adverse weather, including 659 snowplows and over 126,000 tons of de-icing materials, while various regions have activated preventive safety measures to protect residents and infrastructure.
In Málaga, a proactive evacuation in Mijas was conducted without serious injuries or significant damage, highlighting coordinated emergency preparedness. Road conditions have improved slightly, with only 13 affected routes reported currently. Despite the challenging weather, some traditional events like the Reyes Magos parades pressed on with adaptations. In Granada, for example, the parade route was shortened and scheduled earlier due to rain threats, but thousands still gathered enthusiastically. The parade featured vibrant music, dance, and the distribution of over 7,500 kilos of candies and 2,500 balloons. The Reyes Magos also honored cultural legacies by visiting the Alhambra and paying tribute to late cultural councilor Juan Ramón Ferreira.
Authorities stress that the cold snap linked to Borrasca Francis is expected to persist through the week, making January 5th—the day of Reyes—the coldest in Spain in 40 years, with below-zero degrees forecast nationwide. This has led to traffic disruptions and some event cancellations to ensure public safety during the harsh conditions.
Overall, the combination of robust government response and community resilience has helped mitigate the storm's impact, though challenges remain as Spain continues to contend with the worst winter weather in decades during a pivotal cultural celebration period.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
