Spain's worst snowstorm in 50 years wreaks havoc in the country
A man skis in Cibeles Square, in Madrid, the Spanish capital, covered with snow, January 9, 2021. AFP - GABRIEL BOUYS
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The snowstorm that hit Spain on January 8 wreaked havoc in the country, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded, Madrid airport closed and a country paralyzed, while the worst is yet to come. come up with an additional 20 centimeters expected today.
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This snowfall, the worst for 50 years in Spain, and which did not weaken overnight between January 8 and 9, placed five regions in the center of the country on red alert.
First, the Madrid region where public buses have been suspended, as well as garbage collection and where Barajas international airport will remain closed today for security reasons.
Yesterday, around thirty flights have already been canceled and almost as many have to land elsewhere.
The snow also disrupted traffic on nearly 400 roads, according to the transport authority.
Skiers in the heart of Madrid
The Madrid region safety and emergency agency said it worked through the night to help stranded motorists and released a thousand vehicles, asking others to be patient.
The town, which hadn't been covered in such a snowpack since 1971, could see skiers all the way to its famous Puerta del Sol square, or even a man pulled by five dogs on a sled.
Up to 50 centimeters of snow
Besides Madrid, Aragon, the region of Valencia and that of Castile-La Mancha and Catalonia were the areas most affected by this storm.
According to the weather forecasting agency AEMET, 20 centimeters of snow is still expected to fall today in Madrid and the central plateau of the country and up to 50 centimeters could cover the highest areas in this part of the country.
(with AFP)
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