Spain’s traffic authority is urging drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys on motorways this weekend, as snow, heavy rain and strong winds linked to Storm Ingrid sweep across large parts of the country.
The warning comes as the Direccion General de Trafico (DGT) steps up alerts over dangerous driving conditions.
The alerts are mostly in place in the north, north-west and central Spain, where snowfall is expected to reach unusually low altitudes – although weather warnings for snow have been issued in Andalucia.
With forecasts pointing to rapidly falling snow levels and poor visibility, the DGT has advised the public to avoid unnecessary journeys, including on major motorways and high-capacity roads, not just rural or mountain routes.
The concern is that sudden snowfall, drifting snow and ice could quickly overwhelm main routes, especially during peak weekend travel times.
Drivers who do travel are being urged to check conditions carefully, allow extra time and follow official updates closely.
Snow already falling at city level
In Leon, snow has already fallen at city level, leaving a light covering early on Friday morning.
According to Aemet, snow levels will continue to fall throughout Friday, dropping from 700–800 metres to as low as 300–500 metres, particularly in inland Galicia, the northern plateau and central regions.
Weekend forecast raises safety concerns
Aemet warns that snowfall could be intense and short-lived, arriving in heavy showers accompanied by strong winds, creating blizzard-like conditions and sharply reducing visibility on roads.
Significant accumulations are expected in mountainous areas such as the Cantabrian Mountains, the Galician–Leonese Massif, the Central System and parts of the western Iberian System, but officials stress that main motorway corridors could also be affected as conditions change rapidly.
Into Saturday, snow is expected to continue at very low levels, combined with low temperatures and frost, increasing the risk of ice – one of the most dangerous conditions for motorway driving.
Warnings for snow in Andalucia
Inland areas in Granada and Jaen have been placed on a weather alert for snow on Friday.
The yellow warning from state weather agency begins at 6pm Friday and lasts until noon on Saturday.
The affected areas include Carzola y Segura in Jaen and Baza and Guadix in Granada.
Advice for residents
Anyone planning long weekend journeys by car, the message from traffic authorities is to avoid doing so unless necessary.
Drivers are urged to:
- Monitor DGT and AEMET updates in real time
- Avoid long motorway journeys if possible
- Delay travel until conditions improve
- Be prepared for sudden closures or delays
