Spain Braces for Cold Snap as Three Kings’ Day parades Face Disruption
A significant drop in temperatures is sweeping across Spain just as the country prepares to celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings (Reyes) this evening, January 5th.The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts snowfall at lower elevations in north-central regions, alongside rainfall in the southeast.This weather system has prompted widespread alerts and is impacting traditional Three Kings’ Day parades nationwide.
widespread Weather Alerts Issued
Many areas are currently under yellow alert due to the approaching storm. this includes provinces in western Andalusia, coastal Murcia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Almost all of Castilla-La Mancha, portions of Madrid, much of Catalonia, northern Castilla y León, Asturias, and coastal Galicia are also affected.
Specifically, Cantabria’s Villaverde valley is under an orange alert for snow, while the Costa Brava in Catalonia faces an orange alert due to winds reaching up to 75km/hour and potentially 7-meter high waves. you shoudl be prepared for hazardous conditions if you are traveling in these regions.
Travel Disruptions Already Reported
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) reports numerous road closures and restrictions due to snow and ice. Secondary roads in Asturias,Granada,Almería,huesca,León,Salamanca,and navarra are especially impacted.
Flooding continues to close roads in Cádiz and Málaga. If you are planning to drive, check road conditions before you depart.Traffic jams have already been reported in Madrid due to snowfall, and problems are emerging on key routes in Catalonia, including:
* The A-2 between Barcelona and Lleida
* The C-25 between Vic and Cervera
* The C-14 in Tarragona
Authorities strongly recommend exercising extreme caution while driving and avoiding unnecessary travel during the coldest hours.
Impact on Three Kings’ Day Parades
Unfortunately, the adverse weather is forcing changes to many Three Kings’ Day parades scheduled for tonight. Several municipalities have already announced cancellations or postponements.
Here’s a breakdown of the changes:
* Cancelled: Dénia (Alicante), San Fernando (Cádiz), and Motril (Granada) have cancelled their parades, opting for choice celebrations.
* Postponed: Torrent, Orihuela, and torrevieja (Valencia) will now hold their parades on January 6th, Three Kings’ Day itself.
* Rescheduled: oviedo (Asturias) and Jaén (Andalusia) have moved their parades forward to 5:00 PM today.
Despite the forecast of rain, the parades in Spain’s largest cities – Madrid and Barcelona – are currently scheduled to proceed as planned at 6:00 PM. However, you should check local updates before heading out.
This developing situation requires vigilance and preparedness. stay informed about local weather alerts and road conditions, and prioritize your safety during this festive season.
