Northern regions of Spain are in the grip of a raging natural disaster. A powerful storm named Ingrid has virtually paralyzed life in Galicia and neighboring areas. House-high waves, gale-force winds, and freezing rain have become a reality for thousands. Roads running through mountains and along the coast are either underwater or blocked by snow, forcing local authorities to close fifteen sections to prevent tragedies. In some areas, all transport has come to a halt, leaving residents unable to leave their homes.
The weather anomalies didn’t stop at Galicia. Throughout the night, the storm battered all of northern Spain, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. Hundreds of kilometers of roads are at risk, and dozens of settlements are cut off. Stranded drivers had to seek shelter in roadside cafes and hotels. Authorities warn that the situation could worsen at any moment, as another wave of bad weather is on the way.
Galicia under siege
There is mounting concern in Galicia, where a red alert has been declared. The inland areas of the province of Pontevedra are at the epicenter of the disaster: in just a few hours, up to 120 liters of rain per square meter have fallen, and meteorologists warn that this figure could surpass 150 liters in the coming day. The rains continue relentlessly, and rivers are flooding their banks, threatening to inundate entire villages.
Authorities are urging residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. In some areas, evacuations have already begun, and rescue services are working around the clock. Social media is flooded with footage of inundated streets, fallen trees, and cars swept away by surging waters. People are sharing stories of how, in just one night, their homes turned into islands in the midst of a raging sea.
New threat: Storm Joseph
While northern residents are still coping with the aftermath of Ingrid, meteorologists are warning of a new approaching storm—Joseph. Starting Monday, it will bring heavy rains and hurricane-force winds, impacting not only Galicia but also the western parts of central Spain. Powerful weather is expected to hit the coast of Cantabria, the Alborán Sea, and the Balearic Islands, with renewed intensity.
Fourteen autonomous communities have issued alerts ranging from yellow to orange and red. Avalanches are possible in some areas, and heavy snowfall is expected on the slopes of the Pyrenees. In Grazalema (Cádiz), Sanabria, the south of Ávila, the north of Cáceres, and in Ourense, up to 80 liters of precipitation per square meter may fall within twelve hours. Authorities do not rule out further road closures and power outages.
Snow, wind, and freezing rain
The snow line is gradually rising: while at night snowfall was seen at 900–1100 meters, by evening it will move above 2000 meters. The heaviest snowfalls are expected in the Pyrenees and on the northern mountain peaks. In other regions, snow is turning into freezing rain, turning roads into ice rinks and complicating the work of public services.
The wind is intensifying every hour. On the Cantabrian coast, the Alboran Sea, and the Balearic Islands, gusts are reaching dangerous levels. Inland regions of Spain are experiencing moderate winds for now, but forecasters warn: with the arrival of a new front, the situation could change dramatically. Some mountain areas of the Mediterranean are expecting squalls strong enough to bring down trees and snap power lines.
Islands and the South: Calm Before the Storm
While the north and west of the country battle the effects of the storm, the Canary Islands (Islas Canarias) remain relatively calm. Here, skies stay clear and temperatures stable. On the mainland, however, conditions are changing: daytime temperatures are climbing, especially in the south, and nighttime lows are rising almost everywhere. The exception is the Ebro (Ebro) valley, where colder weather is forecast.
Light frosts persist only in the northern mountains. Winds on the Canaries are not a concern yet, but may intensify by evening. Island residents are keeping a close watch on the news, fearing the storm may reach them too.
A Test for the Whole Country
Spain once again finds itself on the brink of a weather catastrophe. Hundreds of families remain without electricity, dozens of roads are blocked, and rescuers can’t keep up with all the emergency calls. Authorities are warning that more challenges lie ahead, and it’s too soon to let your guard down. Meteorologists caution that the situation may worsen in the coming days, and the scale of the destruction could exceed all expectations.
Residents of northern regions are bracing for new storms, stocking up on food and water, and discussing survival tips on social media as they prepare for the next onslaught. Spain is holding its breath, waiting for nature’s next blow.
