Storm Marta Causes Widespread Infrastructure Disruptions and Safety Alerts Across Spain

Storm Marta, following on the heels of Storm Leonardo, has brought severe rainfall and flooding risks to large parts of Spain, particularly impacting regions in the south and west such as Andalucía, Extremadura, and Madrid. The intense weather has resulted in extensive road closures, train cancellations, river overflows, evacuations, and emergency warnings.

In Andalucía, the most affected region, the Guadalquivir River has flooded some parts of Sevilla, although parking areas and streets have so far not been directly impacted. The region is grappling with the closure of 137 roads, including eight significant closures in Córdoba province alone. These include the A-333, shut due to landslides and water jumps between Iznájar and Priego de Córdoba, as well as the A-4154 closed due to landslides and tree falls. Other affected roads include the A-3125 flooded in Baena and multiple routes between El Carpio, Bujalance, Palma del Río, and La Campana suffering from landslides and debris. The Junta de Andalucía continues to assess these routes closely amid lasting hazardous conditions.

Renfe has canceled most train services across Andalucía, maintaining only limited operations such as the Cercanías C1 in Málaga and the AVE route between Madrid and Villanueva de Córdoba. A rescue operation recently recovered a man injured by a collapsing wall in Canena, Jaén, underscoring the storm’s toll on infrastructure and human safety.

Extremadura authorities have ordered evacuations in vulnerable localities like Gévora, Novelda, and Sagrajas due to rising waters. Meanwhile, the Madrid region faces red alerts due to the risk of river overflows on the Jarama, Alberche, and Henares rivers, threatening municipalities including Ciempozuelos, Mejorada del Campo, Alcalá de Henares, and more. Emergency agencies have urged residents to exercise maximum caution near riverbanks and adhere to safety instructions. The Canal de Isabel II has released water from eight reservoirs, currently at 82% capacity, to prevent further hazards.

Andalusia’s president Juanma Moreno has described the economic impact of Storm Marta as "millonario," reflecting the considerable damage and disruption caused by this sustained severe weather. Authorities across affected regions continue to monitor conditions closely, prioritize public safety, and prepare for ongoing challenges as the storm’s effects persist.