Lorraine Williamson
Yesterday in Marbella, the sunshine felt almost spring-like. Yet the signs of recent storms were everywhere. A nearby cascade had been transformed into a rushing torrent, and by nightfall the wind returned with force — lifting a garden shed and smashing it against rocks. It was a sharp reminder that, even as conditions ease in some areas, Spain’s latest weather warnings remain very much in place this weekend.
Across the country, the picture is mixed. Heavy rain has moved on from many regions, but strong wind is now the dominant risk, with local orange-level warnings and disruption still expected on Saturday.
Wind remains the main threat along the Mediterranean
Parts of the eastern Mediterranean coast are facing the strongest conditions. In sections of the Valencian Community, wind gusts approaching 90km/h have triggered orange warnings, prompting precautionary closures of parks, promenades, and some outdoor events. Coastal councils have urged residents to secure loose items and avoid exposed areas.
Catalonia is also affected by a significant wind episode, with alerts covering parts of Barcelona and Tarragona provinces. While the worst gusts are expected to ease later today, authorities are warning that sudden squalls could still cause falling branches, debris, and difficult driving conditions.
Central Spain: reservoirs, snow and travel caution
Further inland, attention has shifted to the knock-on effects of earlier rain and snowfall. Around Madrid, yellow warnings remain active for wind and snow in higher ground, particularly in the Sierra. As a precaution, water has been released from several reservoirs to manage rising levels following recent accumulation — a visible reminder of how quickly winter systems can still change conditions.
Drivers heading into mountain areas are being advised to check routes in advance and carry appropriate equipment, especially early in the morning and after sunset when temperatures drop.
Pyrenees still under snow alerts
In the Pyrenees, winter is holding firm. Parts of Huesca province remain under snow warnings, with accumulations of up to 10cm reported in affected zones. While this brings welcome conditions for ski resorts, emergency services are urging caution on secondary roads and in less accessible rural areas.
Andalucia: easing, but not gone
In Andalucia, the most severe gusts that battered coastal and inland areas earlier in the week are expected to gradually subside, including in Almería. However, as last night’s damage in Marbella showed, localised wind bursts can still arrive suddenly, especially overnight and in exposed locations.
Official advice for the weekend
Spain’s emergency services continue to stress basic safety measures during wind and winter weather episodes. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during peak warning periods, keep away from coastal edges and riverbeds, and secure outdoor furniture, plant pots, and temporary structures. Up-to-date alerts and guidance are available via AEMET and Civil Protection, with traffic updates from the DGT for those on the roads.
A winter reminder
While the calendar edges closer to February, this weekend underlines a familiar Spanish winter pattern: calmer intervals punctuated by sudden, forceful weather. Mild afternoons can be deceptive. As the latest warnings show, vigilance remains essential — particularly where wind, mountains, and water meet.
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