In the memory of Madrid’s residents, the great snowfall of 2021, Filomena, is always the yardstick by which to measure and the eternal hope of seeing something similar again. Today, at least, we are seeing snowfall even at low altitudes, although it is not settling.
The Aemet has activated alerts in much of the region, with particular intensity in the northwest and the Sierra. Storm Kristin is leaving roads difficult to navigate, parks closed, and an unusually white landscape in the middle of January.
The State Meteorological Agency has issued a yellow warning for snowfall in the Sierra de Madrid from midnight until the afternoon, with accumulations of between 5 and 15 centimeters above 1,000-1,100 meters expected in 24 hours. In addition, there are warnings for wind and rain in the rest of the region, as part of a very wintry spell with snow starting at 600-700 meters and then rising to 1,100-1,300 meters throughout the day. Civil Protection and 112 have activated situation 1 of the Winter Weather Plan, calling for maximum caution on the roads, especially on the A-1 and A-6, where traffic jams and snowplows continue.
Where is it snowing most today in Madrid
The heaviest snowfall is concentrated in the Sierra and the northwest, with municipalities such as Las Rozas, Majadahonda, Torrelodones, Galapagar, and Collado Villalba waking up under a white blanket and with traffic problems on the access roads to the A-6. Snowflakes and accumulations are also being recorded in towns on the northern slopes and in high areas, where snowplows have been working since early morning to keep the main roads clear. Snow has also reached several towns in the metropolitan area, with snow or sleet falling in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Colmenar Viejo, and Alcobendas, as well as snowfall in Madrid itself, although in the city, for now, it is settling less and more irregularly.
The 112 emergency service has reported that snow chains are mandatory on all mountain passes in Madrid, particularly in Navacerrada (M-601), Cotos (M-604), Morcuera (M-611), Canencia (M-629), Navafría (M-637), El Cardoso (M-139), La Hiruela (M-137), La Puebla (M-130), and the high sections of the M-505 in La Paradilla and Cruz Verde. In the northwest, heavy snowfall is hampering traffic on the A-6 approach roads to Madrid and complicating travel in municipalities such as Boadilla del Monte and Tres Cantos, where many drivers are having problems getting to work.