Spain is bracing for severe weather as the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued multiple storm alerts across twelve autonomous communities, forecasting persistent and intense rainfall alongside significant snowfall. With weather warnings active from March 2-3, 2025, this winter storm is expected to impact regions including Andalucía, Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia.
Aemet has declared yellow and orange alerts indicating important rain risks. Residents of Cádiz and Málaga counties should prepare for rainfall accumulations possibly exceeding 80 liters per square meter within twelve hours. These conditions are expected to last until at least Thursday.
Aemet emphasizes the unusual nature of this winter weather. "...in these dates of the year, there is less energy available to produce intensities like autumn. Still, the persistence and long duration of the episode will lead to significant accumulations until Thursday," the agency stated. This prolonged wet spell could lead to flooding and complicate travel conditions due to road closures and dangers from rising water.
This urgent situation is not without human impact. Emergency services received multiple reports of flooding-related incidents, including one tragic case involving a 50-year-old man who has gone missing after being swept away by rushing water near the town of Ramonete. Rescuers from Guardia Civil and local emergency units are conducting searches to locate him.
On Sunday, southern regions such as Andalucía faced immediate impacts from heavy rain, generating hazardous conditions on roads where several vehicles became stranded. The 112 emergency service has urged the public to take extreme caution and maintain responsible behavior with the weather alerts looming—as retrieval efforts continue, so does the weather.
"If it is imperative to travel, it is important to get informed beforehand about the conditions of the roads you are going to traverse and continue to follow the indications of informative panels and authority agents," 112 advised to the public.
Meanwhile, extensive rain is set to affect inland areas of Valencia and Castellón, where forecasts predict up to 300 liters per square meter, especially alarming near the coast.
Heavy snowfalls are forecasted as well, particularly for higher altitudes. Reports indicate snow accumulations could reach up to 15 centimeters in regions such as Castilla y León, raising flooding concerns as temperatures drop sharply with the influx of polar air.
Weather conditions are affecting transportation, prompting authorities to implement restrictions on various highways, including major routes through the Sierra de Guadarrama. Caution is advised for drivers due to icy conditions, especially with chains required on certain routes.
Local governments are mobilizing resources to keep citizens informed and safe. Some municipalities have activated emergency plans, such as the Junta de Andalucía, which has warned residents of the expected torrential downpours and potential flooding.
The public is encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather developments through Aemet’s official channels and local news. This week’s storms serve as yet another reminder of the winter weather’s unpredictable nature.
With the impending changes, Aemet and emergency services continue monitoring the situation closely. Citizens are urged to heed safety advisories and remain alert as they navigate their daily activities during this turbulent weather event.