Spain on High Alert as Fourth Storm in Two Weeks Strikes
Spain has been experiencing relentless severe weather since early March, with three consecutive storms battering the country. Now, the fourth storm, Martino, has arrived with full force, prompting Spanish authorities to declare a state of high alert across half of the nation. The storm brings torrential rain, powerful winds, and flooding risks that could threaten infrastructure and local communities.
Storm Path and Impact
According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Martino began making an impact on Thursday, March 20, 2025, sweeping through southern Spain and Portugal before spreading northward. By Friday, March 21, wind speeds reached 61 km/h along the Cádiz coast, with forecasts predicting gusts of up to 90 km/h in other areas. Authorities issued yellow and orange weather warnings in 15 regions, including Madrid, Toledo, and Ávila. Reports from El Mundo indicate that the storm has already caused river floods, road closures, and dangerously high water levels in reservoirs.
Nationwide Emergency Measures
The government has placed nearly half the country on high alert, with a particular focus on Madrid, where emergency services warned of flood risks along the Manzanares River. In Galicia, Martino caused over 400 nighttime incidents, with winds reaching 166 km/h, uprooting trees and damaging rooftops, according to Belgium’s RTBF news network. Ferry services between Tarifa and Tangier were also suspended, disrupting transportation across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Extreme Weather Pattern Continues
Martino is the latest in a series of powerful storms following Jana, Konrad, and Laurence, all of which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds. So far, 13 storms have been named this season, making it an extraordinary year for severe weather. Meteorologists predict a sharp drop in temperatures by the weekend, with the possibility of snowfall in higher altitudes.
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