Weather update: Snow, floods, and road closures

When it rains it pours – and pour it certainly has. Spain has been battered by an exceptional string of Atlantic storms this March, and the latest, named Martinho, has unleashed a torrent of trouble across the country, leaving flooded streets, bursting riverbanks and dramatic evacuations in its wake.

As rivers across the country continue to swell and overflow this weekend, several regions remain on high alert. With nearly 4,300 cubic hectometres of water added to reservoirs in just ten days, and rainfall up 18% above average, it’s clear this month is no ordinary month of March in Spain- it’s already the seventh wettest March since records began in 1961, according to the AEMET (the Spanish weather agency).

Flood fears in central Spain

In the heart of the country, Toledo and Talavera de la Reina are holding their breath as the Tajo River has swollen to a width of over half a kilometre. With water flow exceeding 950 m³ per second, Talavera’s mayor José Julián Gregorio described the situation as “very complicated”, and warned the worst may not be over yet.

Further upstream, the Tajo’s tributary, the Alberche, has triggered alerts across six towns in Castilla-La Mancha, including Escalona, where around 30 residents were evacuated. Mobile alerts were issued for nearby municipalities as homes became inaccessible due to rising waters.

Madrid: stabilising, but still on edge

Madrid has seen a brief pause in the storm’s fury. Officials say the situation is now “more stabilised”, but the capital’s rivers – the Manzanares, Jarama, and Henares – remain full. In Mejorada del Campo, just east of the city, 48 residents were evacuated overnight as water levels surged over two metres. Mayor Jorge Capa confirmed on social media that affected families are being temporarily housed in local hostels.

Still, concerns linger. The city council has warned of possible road closures on the A-6 and A-2 motorways as more water is released from nearby reservoirs. Madrid’s INUNCAM flood plan remains active.

Avila and Segovia: rivers on the edge

In Avila, the Adaja and Chico rivers have already overflowed, forcing emergency evacuations on Friday, March 21. While levels have stabilised for now, authorities are nervously watching the snow-heavy sierras of La Paramera and Serrota, where melting snow could trigger new surges.

Over in Segovia, the Eresma, Duraton, Moros, and Voltoya rivers are being closely monitored. Although water levels remain below danger thresholds, officials haven’t forgotten the floods that struck just two weeks ago. The Eresma hit red alert again early Saturday, March 22, before calming slightly.

Andalucia breathes… but not too deeply as more storms loom

In the south, conditions have eased. The Andalusian flood emergency plan was downgraded from emergency to pre-alert after a calmer night. Still, 35 roads remain cut off due to flooding, and 24 more are snowbound – especially in Granada, Cadiz, and Malaga.

In Seville, the AP-4 motorway has reopened, though caution is advised near Vetaherrado. Meanwhile, search crews are entering their fourth day of combing the Genal River in Malaga for a motorcyclist swept away on Wednesday, March 19.

Spain on warning

As of Saturday, 14 autonomous communities remain under warnings for rain, snow, wind, and coastal flooding, with orange alerts active along the northern coastlines of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. Waves could reach a whopping eight metres, according to AEMET.

In Madrid’s Sierra, yellow alerts for snow remain in place until Sunday, March 23, with forecasts predicting up to 5 cm above 1,100 metres – more at higher elevations.

Drenched… but no longer dry?

There is one silver lining: Spain’s reservoirs have surged from 58% to nearly 66% full – a massive boost in just 10 days, potentially easing the grip of a long-running drought. But experts warn that the country’s water infrastructure is under pressure, with Seopan, the construction industry association, estimating a need for €85 billion in upgrades by 2035 to cope with extreme weather.

The bigger picture

This March, the storms – from Jana to Martinho – seem like more than a weather quirk. Government officials, including Francisco Martín, Delegate of the Government in Madrid, have spoken of the “exceptionality” of recent rains. “In just the first 20 days of March, Madrid has recorded more rain than during entire springs in the past,” he told 24 Horas. “At the Retiro station, it’s the wettest March since the 19th century.”

Weather outlook for March 22 to 23 in Spain

Storm Martinho may be weakening, but the weekend won’t be dry. Expect more showers, especially in the west and highlands, and temperatures to drop – with snow falling as low as 1,200 metres in the north. Winds remain gusty, and caution is still key for those near rivers or planning to travel.

As the country marks World Water Day, it’s clear Spain has had more than its fair share – but the challenge now is managing it. As the skies finally hint at blue, eyes turn to rivers, roads, and reservoirs still full to the brim.

Stay safe, stay dry, and stay tuned to the Euro Weekly for more weather news.

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