Spain is once again at the mercy of unpredictable nature. The recent cyclone Francis brought not only snowfalls but also torrential rains that, within hours, disrupted the daily routines across dozens of cities. This time, the elements spared neither the central regions nor the coast, leaving behind destruction, anxiety and many unanswered questions.
In Toledo, Monday morning began with an unexpected surprise: the city streets were covered by a thin layer of snow, which quickly turned to slush under the feet of residents hurrying to work. While some saw it as a chance for a memorable photo, for municipal services it became a real challenge. Traffic slowed to a crawl, and certain sections had to be closed off entirely.
Snow and ice
The snow squalls didn’t spare other regions either. In Ávila, Teruel, Madrid, and Cuenca, the snowfall was far more severe than forecasters had predicted. Roads became gridlocked, and city workers labored nonstop to clear the main thoroughfares. In some areas, residents were forced to give up using their private vehicles — too risky, with the roads turned into icy slush.
The situation was especially difficult in smaller towns, where equipment and resources are limited. There, snow literally cut people off from the outside world, and local authorities urged residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Yet for children, it became a true holiday: snowball fights, building snowmen, and a rare chance to experience a real winter.
Rising Waters
While snow brings joy, water brings nothing but trouble. In Andalusia, especially in the province of Cádiz, the situation quickly spun out of control. In the areas of Los Barrios and San Roque, the Guadarranque River overflowed, flooding streets and courtyards. Nearly five hundred families had to be evacuated overnight as their homes were threatened by the rapidly rising waters.
The CA-9209 and CA-9208 roads, which connect towns in Campo de Gibraltar, were completely flooded. Drivers had to look for detours, and some vehicles were stranded in the water. Rescuers and firefighters worked through the night helping people get out of flooded homes and cars.
Coastal Areas Take a Hit
The coast was also hit hard. In Málaga, firefighters battled the aftermath of the Velerín River flooding, which submerged coastal neighborhoods. In Huelva, on the Matalascañas beach, a storm destroyed part of the promenade, leaving piles of sand and debris behind. Locals say they haven’t seen a storm like this in years.
Authorities had to temporarily close access to certain beach and promenade areas to prevent injuries and further damage. Tourists who came for the winter sun found themselves in the midst of severe weather and are now sharing images of raging seas and flooded streets on social media.
People and Emotions
In every city and village along Francis’s path, people reacted in different ways. Some anxiously watched the water rising at their doorstep, others hurriedly packed their belongings to leave home, while some, no matter what, went outside to help their neighbors. Spaniards know how to stand together when disaster strikes unexpectedly—it’s clear from how quickly volunteers mobilize and how efficiently emergency services work.
But it’s important to note: many were unprepared for how events unfolded. In some areas, warning systems were delayed and infrastructure could not withstand the force of nature. This raises questions for local authorities and services, who seem to have once again underestimated nature’s power.
Consequences and challenges
Now, as the water gradually recedes and the snow melts, it’s clear that a long road to recovery lies ahead. Roads are damaged, riverbanks destroyed, and many homes need repairs. People are counting the losses and hoping this doesn’t happen again anytime soon. But with the changing climate, there are no guarantees.
The storm Francis was a reminder: even in the 21st century, humanity remains vulnerable to nature. And perhaps, it’s time to stop underestimating such threats, so we’re not caught off guard again.
