Storm Marta Triggers Widespread Road Closures and Safety Alerts Across Southern Spain
Storm Marta causes nearly 100 road closures and safety alerts from Badajoz to Madrid as heavy rain and floods impact southern Spain.
- • Storm Marta causes 99 road closures, with severe flooding and snow conditions across southern Spain.
- • Puente de la Autonomía in Badajoz closed due to rising Guadiana River levels.
- • Madrid region under red alert for river overflow affecting multiple municipalities.
- • Heavy rain and strong winds forecast to continue, complicating emergency response efforts.
Key details
On February 7, 2026, Storm Marta struck southern Spain, causing extensive infrastructure disruptions and safety concerns, particularly due to heavy rainfall and flooding. According to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), 99 roads have been closed, with 85 closures caused by floods and heavy rain and 14 by snow and ice. One of the most affected roads is the N-430 in Valdivia (Badajoz), placed under red alert for dangerous driving conditions due to water accumulation.
In Badajoz, the Puente de la Autonomía was closed due to the rising levels of the Guadiana River, a situation highlighted by Mayor Ignacio Gragera, who warned of ongoing river rises amid forecasts of up to 40 liters of rain in a short period and wind gusts reaching 90 km/h. Additionally, Andalusia continues to manage repercussions from prior storms, with over 9,500 incidents recorded from Storm Leonardo since January 27.
Further north, in the Madrid region, the Tagus Hydrographic Conference issued a red alert for potential overflow of the Jarama, Alberche, and Henares rivers. Several municipalities including Ciempozuelos and Alcalá de Henares are under watch, with residents advised to avoid riverbanks and heed emergency instructions. The Canal de Isabel II manages water releases from reservoirs, now at 82% capacity, to mitigate flooding risk.
Heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to continue across the southern Atlantic slope, Alborán, and Andalusian mountains, with occasional thunderstorms and hail possible, exacerbating existing hazards.
Authorities across affected provinces have activated various alerts and emergency plans to address the evolving situation as Storm Marta moves through the Peninsula.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
