The A-6, between Guadarrama and Las Rozas (Madrid), is currently blocked due to heavy snowfall with dozens of cars and buses trapped. The same situation is occurring on the A-1, at the Somosierra pass. Currently, truck circulation is prohibited on the A-6 and A-1, and there are difficulties for snowplows to clear the roads.
At 10:30 a.m., the DGT recommended not using the A-6 in Madrid, as dozens of cars, trucks, and buses were still stopped on the road towards the Guadarrama tunnel. In Madrid city, there are also traffic issues in several districts, especially in the north, in addition to 30 affected EMT bus lines and very slippery streets due to snow.
Puerta de Toledo, in the Centro district, this Wednesday morning.E. M.
On the A-1 at Venturada, several cars are also blocked on the road due to snow, and the road is currently impassable at this point.
The heavy snowfall since seven in the morning during rush hour has also blocked several roads in the Madrid mountains, and the use of chains is mandatory on all mountain passes. Snowplows are overwhelmed, and in areas like Galapagar, Colmenarejo, Villanueva de la Cañada, and Valdemorillo, it is impossible to drive as there are cars and buses stranded in the middle of the road. Many people have not been able to leave their homes yet due to the heavy snowfall, which continues heavily in the Sierra de Guadarrama and also in the western part of the region.
Between Tres Cantos and Colmenar Viejo, there are also mobility issues, with several buses stranded on the road due to the intense snowfall. In Colmenar, a volunteer effort has been organized mid-morning to remove cars and allow snowplows to pass.
According to Emergency 112 Community of Madrid through their social media, at 08:00 hours, it was already mandatory to drive with chains or winter tires on all mountain passes in the region.
At that time, snowfall extends across much of the Madrid territory, with greater intensity in the western area. It is also snowing in the city, where it has settled in several areas in the north like Fuencarral.
The Traffic Group of the Civil Guard and the Citizens' Security Unit of the Command (USECIC) have had to assist several drivers on different roads in the region at the mountain passes. Specifically, on the M-601, M-607, and A-6, as reported by the General Directorate.
The rest of the roads in the Community of Madrid remain open to traffic, although the DGT insists on exercising caution and recommends checking the road conditions before starting any journey.
According to 112, due to the snowfall in the northern and western areas of the region, there are significant disruptions to traffic and public transport, especially in mountainous areas. The Community of Madrid has activated an operation with over 100 professionals and 30 snowplows to ensure road viability. Several intercity bus lines are experiencing issues, with service suspensions, diversions, and circulation difficulties in various municipalities.
Exercising caution is advised, avoiding unnecessary travel, prioritizing public transport, and checking road and public transport conditions on unofficial channels of the Community of Madrid and the CRTM.
Due to the snowfall in the northern and western areas of the region, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Universities has instructed the directors of educational centers in affected areas to assess access conditions to their facilities, always prioritizing safety. Students and teachers facing difficulties in reaching the schools should stay at home. Schools and institutes will be open to assist students already on the premises.
In Tres Cantos, the City Council has advised families not to pick up their children from schools until the regular dismissal time, following advice from Local Police and Civil Protection.
From nine in the morning, several districts of the capital have also started experiencing snowfall and traffic issues. Madrid Emergency Services reported that "over 5,600 cleaning personnel are working in various areas of Madrid, especially the most challenging ones (Fuencarral-El Pardo, Hortaleza, and Moncloa)".
Additionally, the Madrid City Council has deployed 264 mechanical units and 1,255 manual units, 208 salt/brine spreaders, and resources from Madrid Calle 30. Shortly before 11 a.m., the City Council reported several traffic disruptions. Specifically, at the Valdepeñas tunnel in both directions and Sinesio Delgado towards the A-6.
At the same time, 30 EMT bus lines were affected. Mainly in Valdebebas, Barajas, Aravaca, Montecarmelo, Avda San Luis, Barrio del Pilar, El Pardo, Telefonica Area, Sanchinarro, Las Tablas, Feria de Madrid.
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, advised against unnecessary travel to avoid incidents.