On March 21, 2025, severe weather prompted multiple universities in Madrid to suspend all academic activities, including exams, due to forecasts of heavy rains and potential flooding. Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Universidad Autónoma, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, and Universidad Politécnica announced the cancellations in a bid to ensure student and staff safety. "This decision seeks to protect the safety of students, faculty, and technical, management, administrative, and service workers," UCM communicated via its social media channels.
As weather warnings escalated, the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy also urged employees to work remotely wherever possible, while emphasizing that "nobody should expose themselves to risks" during adverse weather conditions. Minister Yolanda Díaz confirmed that ministry staff in Madrid would telework on the same day as part of precautionary measures against heavy rains associated with the Martinho storm system.
As of late Thursday night, heavy rains had caused reservoirs to be released, resulting in the Río Manzanares reaching unprecedented levels. The Spanish weather agency, AEMET, issued a yellow warning due to expected rainfall that could accumulate to 15 mm in one hour, coupled with strong winds of up to 80 km/h in the Sierra region. The region's emergency services were actively monitoring river flows with an alert in place for possible flooding. Emergency Madrid officials advised citizens to restrict unnecessary travel, particularly near the Manzanares and Jarama rivers, due to the elevated risk of inundation.
Emergency Madrid was keeping a close eye on the situation, informing the public that extensive road closures were already being observed. At 12:30 AM on March 21, several routes were officially closed due to water accumulation, including sections of the M-611, M-215, M-622, M-203, and M-111. A section of the M-30 connected to the M-40 was also impacted, limiting traffic in crucial areas of the capital.
In light of the escalating weather conditions, the Comunidad de Madrid activated the Puesto de Mando Avanzado (Advanced Command Post) to oversee potential flooding impacts throughout the night. This command post is staffed by defense and emergency service personnel comprising Civil Protection, police, and technical units. The Delegación del Gobierno, too, has called for utmost caution, asking residents to pay close attention to emergency instructions as they unfold.
The universities' swift decisions highlight a pattern of safety-first approaches reflected across various sectors within the city. As rain continued to fall, Elma Saiz, the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, also canceled her public engagements scheduled for the day and advised government personnel to work remotely as well, echoing the sentiments of her cabinet members regarding priority on safety.
AEMET reiterated its warning as the rain persisted, stating that conditions might worsen into the early hours of March 21. The national meteorological service emphasized that these weather events underscore the importance of adhering to precautions announced by local and government agencies.
Officials reported that rainfall continued undeterred across the region as of March 20, with predictions suggesting that conditions would remain volatile. "Today rain is falling in numerous areas of the Comunidad de Madrid," emergency services warned. They reminded residents about the risk associated with travel in the current conditions and the existing yellow alerts. Despite the grim forecasts, Madrid's emergency services remained poised to respond effectively as they managed the complicating parameters of the storm.
The situation on the ground raised questions about the adequacy of urban planning in flood-prone areas, especially as severe weather events become increasingly common due to changing climate patterns. Citizens remain in a dilemma as they balance their daily routines against the backdrop of weather-related hazards, further exacerbated by limited access to infrastructural support in times of crisis.
As such, the pertinent advice from authorities seems clear: limit movements, remain informed, and focus on utmost safety as the storm system progresses. The implementation of contingency measures signals a proactive response not just to current conditions, but also in preparation for potential outcomes that may arise as the region grappled with this weather crisis.
