The morning in the Madrid Sierra began like a true winter fairy tale: overnight, the mountains were blanketed with a thick layer of fresh snow. By dawn, it was clear—the forecasts had come true, and the region was hit by its first major snowstorm of the season. Snow continues to fall, and roads in the mountain areas are coated with ice, making travel extremely dangerous.
As a result, at the Cotos and Navacerrada mountain passes, new mandatory requirements are in effect: vehicles may only proceed if equipped with snow chains or winter tires. Without them, passage is prohibited—Guardia Civil officers are strictly enforcing the rules and turning away unprepared vehicles. Since early morning, parking lots near the mountain trails have filled up, despite the harsh weather.
To combat the aftermath of the snowfall, Madrid authorities have deployed 16 snowplows and sent 60 road crew specialists to the area. Their job is to clear main routes and ensure road safety. Nevertheless, a yellow weather alert remains in effect until evening, and conditions could change at any moment.
Despite the warnings, many residents and visitors have seized the chance to witness the first snow. Families are arriving to enjoy the winter scenery, go sledding, and take photos against the snowy slopes. However, road crews are urging everyone to exercise caution and avoid heading into the mountains unless absolutely necessary, in order to prevent traffic jams and allow emergency teams to work efficiently.
Snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with temperatures remaining below freezing. Authorities advise closely monitoring updates on road conditions and weather, and planning travel routes in advance. Additional traffic restrictions may be imposed in mountainous areas if conditions worsen.
