Spanish road services were put to the test as a snowstorm swept through Aragon and Castilla y León, paralyzing traffic on key highways. In response to the approaching weather front, authorities deployed 633 snowplows and over 116,000 tons of de-icing materials. By Saturday morning, snow had completely blanketed the provinces of Ávila and Segovia, causing kilometer-long traffic jams on the roads.
Meteorologists were right—the heavy snowfall warnings issued the day before quickly became reality. More than 50 road sections were affected, and drivers had to change their plans at the last minute. Authorities strongly advise against traveling unless absolutely necessary and urge everyone to closely monitor road condition updates.
Restrictions and prohibitions
The situation on the highways is changing by the minute. From Saturday morning, chains or winter tires became mandatory on several routes in Madrid and Ávila. Conditions were especially difficult on the AP-6 highway between La Mata and Sanchidrián, as well as on the AP-51 linking Ávila and Segovia, where driving without special equipment became impossible.
In some areas, authorities have gone even further: certain road sections are completely closed to trucks and long vehicles. In Segovia, on the AP-61 between El Espinar and Hontoria, as well as on the A-1 stretch between El Molar and Cerezo de Abajo in Madrid and Segovia, freight transport is simply not allowed through. In Ávila, on the A-50 between the city and San Pedro del Arroyo, the situation is similar.
Catalonia and Other Regions
The snowstorm has not spared Catalonia either. Here, chains are mandatory on six roads. In Barcelona, this applies to the BV-4031 in Castellar de n’Hug; in Girona, the GI-400 in Alp Lleida; and in Lleida, several segments: C-147 in Isil, L-500 in Caldes de Boi, L-504 in Lladorre, L-510 in Alins, and the N-141 from Bossòst.
The situation remains tense in the Madrid region as well. On the M-601 in Navacerrada, the M-604 near Cotos, the M-611 from Morcuera, and the M-629 from Canencia, driving without chains is extremely dangerous. Road crews are working at full capacity, but the snow keeps coming.
Response and Recommendations
Authorities keep repeating: caution is a driver’s greatest ally on such days. Before setting out, it is strongly advised to check up-to-date road conditions. Road crews and police are operating in emergency mode, yet even their efforts can’t always prevent chaos on the roads.
Hundreds of snowplows and thousands of tons of de-icing agents—impressive numbers, yet the elements do not always yield to control. Drivers must remain patient and resilient, and sometimes even stay off the roads entirely. Once again, the Spanish winter has shown its harsh side, while road services have demonstrated their readiness to face severe weather.
