Spanish roads were brought to a standstill by the elements as storm Ingrid, which hit overnight from Friday to Saturday, virtually paralyzed traffic across the country. By Saturday morning, the number of closed roads had reached 145, including not only secondary routes but also key highways connecting the regions. Drivers caught in the path of the storm had to urgently change their plans, while freight companies faced unexpected losses.
The situation was especially severe in Castilla y León, where the storm disrupted several vital routes. In the provinces of Zamora, Burgos, Ávila, and León, travel on the A-6, A-1, A-50, and A-66 highways became impossible. In Ribera de Folgoso and Salamanca, transport was brought to a complete halt. Aragón was also hit hard: in Huesca, Puente la Reina de Jaca, and Angüés, the A-21, A-22, and A-23 were closed. Galicia ended up at the epicenter of the transport collapse, with the A-52 and AG-53 shut down in Ourense and Pontevedra. Even in Guadalajara (Castilla-La Mancha), traffic on the A-2 was blocked.
Trucks trapped
The severe weather didn’t spare truck drivers either: more than a thousand lorries were forced to spend the night on roadsides, waiting for permission to continue their journey. Drivers had to wait patiently until authorities lifted restrictions imposed due to the threat of heavy snowfall. Only in the morning did it become known that restrictions had been lifted in 17 areas, and convoys of trucks slowly resumed their routes. However, the effects of the delays were already felt by many companies whose deliveries were put at risk.
Drivers shared photos of snow-covered roads and long lines of trucks on social media, while local residents complained about disrupted deliveries. Authorities insist they are doing everything possible to restore traffic as quickly as possible, but weather forecasts offer little optimism: the storm shows no signs of letting up.
Slope under threat
While some regions grapple with transport chaos, the situation in Granada has deteriorated at the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The resort’s opening was delayed until 9:30 am due to severe weather: snow, strong winds, and thick fog made it impossible to operate the lifts. Workers rushed to clear the slopes and break up ice at the stations, but some zones—Veleta, Laguna, and Loma de Dilar—remained closed due to the high risk of avalanches and ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure.
Winter sports enthusiasts who arrived at the resort were forced to wait for the storm to subside. The station’s administration posted regular updates, warning of continued danger and urging guests to be cautious. For many, this was an unpleasant surprise: plans for an active holiday had to be changed abruptly.
Galicia under siege
In Galicia, storm Ingrid has been especially aggressive. Over the past 24 hours, more than 130 emergencies have been recorded here, ranging from fallen trees and damage to power lines to flooded roads. Winds reached hurricane force, tearing off roofs and overturning cars. Authorities declared a red alert due to storm surges along the coast, while rescue services operated around the clock.
Residents of coastal areas watched as waves swept over promenades, while fishermen rushed back to ports, fearing for their boats. Some towns experienced power outages, and schools and kindergartens were temporarily closed. The threat of further storms made many reconsider their safety and prepare for possible evacuations.
The ordeal continues
Despite the efforts of road and utility services, the situation on the roads remains tense. Meteorologists warn that storm Ingrid is not relenting, and in the coming days, new road closures and transport disruptions are possible. Drivers are advised to closely follow updates and, if possible, avoid long trips.
While some regions are trying to return to normal life, others are bracing for new hits from the elements. Spain is once again facing unpredictable forces of nature, and no one dares to predict when the country’s roads will be safe for everyone again.
