The north and center of Spain have been hit by a powerful snowstorm, Ingrid, which transformed familiar routes into dangerous traps in just one day. The snowfall began suddenly, and by morning the main highways were blocked, with traffic virtually paralyzed. Drivers on the road found themselves unable to continue: hundreds of trucks and cars were stranded, and road crews could not clear the drifts quickly enough.
The situation was especially difficult on the A-52 highway leading to Galicia. In the areas of Mombuey and Quintanilla de Urz in the province of Zamora, more than 440 trucks had to stop on the shoulders and at rest areas. Drivers waited for the storm to subside and for road crews to clear the way. Locals say they haven’t seen this many stranded vehicles in years.
Snow trap
In towns and villages of León, Ourense, and Galicia, the roads were covered overnight with a thick layer of snow, and municipal services struggled to clear them. In Vega de Espinareda and Pedrafita do Cebreiro, drivers had to abandon their vehicles and seek shelter. On some sections of the A-52, traffic came to a complete halt as motorists reported hours-long jams and a lack of updates from the authorities.
The authorities of Galicia have decided to suspend classes in schools across most areas of Lugo province. The situation is particularly challenging in the mountainous and central regions, where an orange alert has been issued due to heavy snowfall. Parents had to keep their children at home, and school buses were unable to operate.
Marine threat
While snow rages inland, a fierce storm has struck the coasts of Galicia and Cantábrico. Massive waves up to nine meters high are battering lighthouses and seafronts. Particularly dramatic footage is coming from San Esteban de Bocamar, where the sea is completely engulfing the lighthouse, and local residents fear for the safety of port facilities.
Rescue services and police have been forced to close off access to coastal areas to prevent accidents. Fishermen and owners of small vessels have been warned not to go out to sea. In some regions, there have been interruptions in the supply of food and fuel, as trucks are unable to reach their destinations because of snowdrifts.
Control and chaos
The Guardia Civil has increased road checks, especially for heavy vehicles. Truck drivers are being urged not to drive unless absolutely necessary, and in several areas, traffic is completely prohibited. Despite the efforts of road crews, clearing is slow: snow continues to fall and temperatures remain below zero.
Photos and videos are spreading on social media, showing kilometers-long traffic jams, abandoned cars, and people walking along the roadside in search of shelter. Many note that the authorities were unprepared for such developments, and information about road closures and class cancellations came with delays.
A test for the regions
The situation in northern and central regions of Spain remains tense. Authorities warn that the worst of the bad weather is yet to come and urge residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Some communities are already facing shortages of food and medicine, and utility services are stretched to their limits.
Storm Ingrid has become a true test for infrastructure and emergency services. Many are questioning why warnings about the approaching storm were not taken seriously, and why the preparations for extreme weather were insufficient. For now, residents in the northern and central provinces have to wait for the storm to pass and hope that the consequences aren’t catastrophic.
