The aftermath of a sudden storm in Andalusia is already being felt by thousands of residents across the region. Powerful gusts of wind and heavy rains have not only disrupted daily life, but have also put safety at risk on roads and in cities. As a result of the severe weather, people have been injured, and transport links between Sevilla and Cadiz have been virtually paralyzed.
From early morning, emergency services have handled dozens of calls related to falling trees, collapsing structures, and damage to urban infrastructure. The situation has been especially challenging in the Aljarafe municipalities, where in Mairena, two workers were injured when a construction cabin was blown over by the wind, and another woman was hurt when a ceiling collapsed in a residential building. In other areas, incidents have been reported involving injuries caused by falling traffic signs and crumbling walls.
Transport gridlock
The main AP-4 highway, connecting Sevilla and Cadiz, was completely blocked after trees fell onto the roadway. This caused severe traffic jams and brought movement to a halt on key sections near Las Cabezas, Lebrija, and Dos Hermanas. Guardia Civil officers attempted to restore order, but traffic remained backed up for several hours.
The storm also affected rail services. On the section between Dos Hermanas and Utrera, a tree fell directly onto a commuter train, causing delays of up to 40 minutes on the C1 line and forcing 50 passengers to transfer to another train. As a result, delays spread to regional trains running between Seville, Cádiz, and Málaga.
Emergency measures
Seville authorities promptly activated the regional emergency response plan to minimize the effects of the storm. Dozens of streets and avenues were closed from early morning, while municipal services worked to clear debris and restore traffic. As a precaution, the city ordered the temporary closure of all parks, cemeteries, and open-air sports facilities.
The decision to close public spaces was made amid yellow alerts issued by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) due to expected heavy rains and strong winds. Authorities emphasize that these steps are aimed at preventing further incidents and protecting residents.
Widespread impact
The storm affected not only Seville but also other provinces in Andalusia. Warnings for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal hazards were issued in Cádiz, Huelva, Almería, and Jaén. Some areas recorded up to 15 liters of rain per square meter in an hour, leading to localized flooding and new challenges for emergency services.
In addition to transport problems, a truck overturned in Camas near the approach to the Puente del Centenario bridge (Siglo XXI), further complicating the traffic situation in Seville. Throughout the day, municipal services continued to address the aftermath of the storm, but restoring normal daily life took longer than expected.
Context and similar incidents
Severe storms causing significant damage to infrastructure and transport are not uncommon in Andalusia. In recent years, the region has faced similar situations: in 2023, a comparable hurricane led to widespread power outages and temporarily isolated several communities. Key highways were closed at that time as well, and rail connections were gradually restored. In 2024, in Málaga and Cádiz, strong winds and heavy rains forced the closure of beaches and public parks, while municipal services operated around the clock. Such events highlight the need to remain constantly prepared for extreme weather and underscore the importance of timely response by authorities and emergency services.
