Amid persistent heavy rains and increasing fears of flooding in the Comunidad de Madrid, four major universities have announced the suspension of classes on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) was the first to declare this measure, which involves halting all non-essential academic activities, including exams, following recommendations from the Agencia de Seguridad y Emergencias de Madrid.
The decision comes as the Manzanares River's flow is reported to be 15 times higher than normal due to heavy rainfall, with water levels nearing critical points. The UCM and other institutions are taking steps to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff, encouraging remote work where feasible. Similar suspensions were echoed by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The common goal is to mitigate risks associated with potential flooding.
Emergencias Madrid has intensified monitoring of the river's levels and forecasts more rainfall throughout the day. There is a persistent yellow weather alert issued by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) due to expected adverse conditions lasting into the early hours of Friday. This warning highlights the need for extreme caution, particularly near waterways.
The road situation is deteriorating, with the M-30 outer lane closed due to rising water levels, among other affected routes. Five roads in total have reported closures due to flooding, including sections of the M-611, M-215, M-622, M-203, and M-111, causing significant travel disruptions.
In light of these developments, government officials are urging the public to minimize travel. The Delegación del Gobierno in Madrid has emphasized the importance of adhering to emergency services' directions as road closures may expand in the coming hours. Public safety is a primary concern, with the city activating its flood emergency plan (Plan Especial de Inundaciones, Inuncam).
The latest report indicates that the water levels at critical points, such as the A-6 bridge, are alarmingly close to infrastructure. Mayor Inmaculada Sanz reassured citizens that authorities are closely monitoring the situation with emergency responders deployed across the region. “The Manzanares River is under careful observation due to the continuing water releases from the El Pardo dam, and we will act as needed to safeguard the community,” she noted.
The national government has also implemented additional mobility plans, particularly for essential routes in Madrid that handle high traffic volumes. Francisco Martín, the Government delegate, stated, “We are preparing alternative routes to ensure safety and access for essential workers during this emergency.”
Given that the region may experience one of its heaviest rainfall episodes in years, citizens are urged to remain indoors, with universities fully supporting this initiative. As the situation develops, updates will be provided through official channels so that residents can stay informed.
Ultimately, the closures of the universities and other institutions underscore the seriousness of the weather event affecting the Comunidad de Madrid and the proactive step taken to protect the community during a time of environmental uncertainty.
