Lorraine Williamson
Storm Ingrid travel warnings are now in force across large parts of Spain, as the latest named Atlantic system drives a burst of polar air over the country — bringing low-level snow risk in the north and northwest, strong winds, and a rough-seas threat that is particularly acute along the Galician and Cantabrian coasts.
This is not simply a “bad weather weekend”. AEMET has issued a special advisory for low-level snowfall and hazardous maritime conditions, warning that snow could fall below 300–400 metres in parts of the northwest, while coastal conditions could become dangerous quickly as wind and swell build.
Where the storm is biting hardest
The most severe risk is concentrated in the northwest and along Atlantic-facing coasts, where AEMET forecasts a powerful sea state and very strong gusts, with wave heights in Galicia capable of exceeding 8–9 metres during the peak of the episode.
Inland, the key travel concern is snow at unexpectedly low altitudes, with showers capable of turning quickly into snow and creating rapid accumulations, reduced visibility and, in exposed areas, drifting snow and wind chill.
Travel disruption and road restrictions
Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, has urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys and to prepare for difficult road conditions, particularly on long-distance routes that see higher weekend traffic volumes. It has also published operational guidance for winter driving, including the need for winter or all-season tyres or chains in affected areas.
National reporting on the evolving situation has pointed to widespread impacts across the road network during Ingrid’s peak, with dozens of roads affected and heavy-vehicle restrictions used at times to manage risk on key corridors to and from the northwest.
Andalucia: wind, coastal conditions and localised flooding risk
Although the storm’s most extreme alerts are focused further north, parts of Andalucia are also being hit by wind and unsettled weather, with AEMET flagging strong westerly winds and maritime conditions that can affect the Cádiz coastline and the Strait of Gibraltar area.
On the ground, traffic updates have included flooding-related disruption on a small number of roads in Cádiz, Córdoba and Sevilla provinces, alongside ice or snow issues at higher elevations in the wider south-east.
Andalucia’s emergency planning has also been activated at pre-emergency level for flood risk, as authorities monitor conditions and respond to incidents linked to rain, wind and road impacts.
What travellers should do now
If you are travelling this weekend, the most sensible approach is to treat this as a “check-before-you-go” situation, even for short drives.
Start with the basics: check AEMET warnings for your province, then check the DGT’s latest road status and any active restrictions. If you must drive, carry chains where advised, allow extra time, and avoid secondary routes in mountain areas or places prone to sudden snow showers.
For coastal areas under rough-seas warnings, keep well back from promenades, breakwaters and exposed viewpoints. The risk is not just spray — an energetic swell can sweep across sea walls with little warning when conditions peak.
When will it ease?
AEMET’s outlook suggests Ingrid should begin to weaken and move away by Sunday, with the polar air gradually retreating and snow levels lifting. Even then, some coastal hazards and residual winter conditions may linger, particularly in the north and northeast, so Sunday is better read as “improving” rather than “all clear.”
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