Storm Kristin Unleashes Chaos Across Spain with Hurricane-Force Winds and Widespread Disruption

Storm Kristin Batters Spain with Extreme Weather

Storm Kristin swept across Spain on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, unleashing a barrage of hurricane-force winds, heavy snowfall, and torrential rains that led to widespread chaos and disruption across nearly all autonomous communities. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) had issued numerous weather alerts, including 'red level' warnings for 'extraordinary danger' in several areas, as the storm marked the sixth major weather system to impact Spain this month.

Widespread Damage and Disruptions Reported

The powerful storm brought significant damage and extensive disruptions to infrastructure and daily life. Wind gusts, reaching over 130 km/h in regions like Galicia, Cáceres, and Almería, and potentially up to 200 km/h in parts of the southeast due to a 'sting jet' phenomenon, caused considerable havoc. Incidents included:

• Flipped Trucks: Several trucks were overturned on motorways, notably on the A-66 near Caceres, due to the sheer force of the gales.
• Structural Damage: Reports indicated roofs being ripped off buildings, including schools.
• Road Closures: More than 170 roads nationwide were affected, with red alert closures on major routes like the A-6 (Madrid-A Coruña) and sections in Ávila, Segovia, Cáceres, and Salamanca.
• Snowfall: Intense snow blanketed areas of Madrid, Castilla y León, and Castilla-La Mancha, leading to the closure of the A-6 highway in Madrid, stranding dozens of vehicles, and causing delays at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
• Flooding and Evacuations: Rising rivers, such as the Guadarranque in San Roque, Cádiz, prompted the evacuation of approximately 250 residents. The Port of Algeciras was closed due to flooding, leaving around 2,800 lorries unable to move.
• Rail Services Affected: National rail operators Renfe and Adif reported delays and suspensions on various lines, including the Bobadilla-Algeciras and Antequera-Cordoba routes, primarily due to fallen trees.
• Power Outages: Power cuts were reported in parts of Algeciras and Tarifa following a lightning strike.
• School Closures: Schools were closed in Extremadura and 77 municipalities across Almería, Málaga, and Cádiz, with Andalusia suspending all outdoor sports and educational activities.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Tragically, the storm resulted in at least one fatality in Spain, with a woman killed in Torremolinos, Málaga, when a palm tree fell due to strong winds. Emergency services across Spain responded to over 800 incidents before midnight, addressing issues ranging from fallen trees and standing water to damaged infrastructure. Authorities urged extreme caution, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from coastal and river areas.

Ongoing Weather Concerns

While Storm Kristin was expected to move away from Spain by Thursday, January 29, 2026, meteorologists warned that conditions would remain unstable. The storm followed a series of other significant weather events in January, including Storms Francis, Goretti, Ingrid, and Joseph, highlighting a period of intense weather activity across the Iberian Peninsula.