Storm Joseph hits southern and central Spain

Strong winds and heavy rain trigger flooding and landslides

Photo: El País

Storm Joseph has claimed one life and caused extensive damage in several regions of Spain. Strong winds, torrential rain and landslides have led to building collapses, road closures, traffic accidents and a sharp rise in river water levels. The situation remains tense in Andalusia, Castile and León and other autonomous communities, El País reports.

Death in Torremolinos

In Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol, a woman was killed on Tuesday after a palm tree, snapped by strong winds, fell on her. Witnesses reported the incident to Andalusia’s 112 emergency service. Police, firefighters and medical teams were dispatched to the scene. Doctors attempted resuscitation, but were unable to save the victim. The Torremolinos municipal authorities expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased.

In Andalusia, authorities also suspended in-person classes in 77 municipalities. In Almería, schooling was halted in 36 towns and villages in the Valle del Almanzora and Los Vélez areas; in the province of Málaga, in around 25–26 municipalities in the Ronda district; and in Cádiz, in 15 municipalities in the mountainous Grazalema area. Regional authorities recommended cancelling all outdoor school sports and leisure activities, including the use of playgrounds during breaks.

Landslides and accidents in Castile and León

In Castile and León, landslides and traffic accidents have been reported. Emergency services were deployed to deal with the aftermath, and temporary traffic restrictions were introduced on some road sections.

In the province of Palencia, near Guardo, a landslide spilled onto the roadway, trapping a lorry under debris. The driver was freed promptly and was not injured. The road was closed until clearing and removal work was completed, with traffic diverted along alternative routes.

In Zamora, a passenger car collided with a tree that had fallen onto the road. The driver was unharmed, and damage was limited to the vehicle. The road section was temporarily closed to deal with the последствия. In the Duero river basin, rising water levels have been recorded in several watercourses. Hydrological warnings have been issued in some locations, and services continue to monitor the situation and remain ready to take further action.

Granada, Madrid and mountainous areas

In Granada, forested areas of the Alhambra complex have been temporarily closed. Pedestrian access has been restricted along several routes, including the Rey Chico path, the Generalife gardens and the Adárves area. The decision was taken due to the risk of falling trees and structural elements. Over the weekend, a section of a wall collapsed in the area and was cordoned off.

The Sierra Nevada ski resort remained closed for a second consecutive day. Ski runs could not be operated, access to the resort was hindered by the condition of access roads and traffic congestion in residential areas, and the movement of maintenance vehicles was restricted.

In Madrid, city authorities closed El Retiro park and eight other large green spaces, including historic and landscaped parks. Access will be restored after inspections of trees and the removal of storm-related damage. Information on reopening will be published through official city channels.

Nationwide overview

Andalusia’s 112 emergency service recorded dozens of calls related to the storm’s impact. Reports included collapses and landslides on secondary roads, water accumulation, falling trees and local power outages. No injuries were reported in these incidents. In coastal areas, port operations and maritime traffic have been restricted, while in mountainous regions difficulties persist for transport movement and access to населённым пунктам.

Storm Joseph has affected most of Spain. According to the state meteorological service, 14 autonomous communities have received warnings of severe weather. Five of them are under an orange alert level, while the rest remain under yellow warnings. The Canary Islands, La Rioja and the Basque Country are the exceptions.

Further strengthening of winds, prolonged rainfall, stormy seas and snowfall remain possible. National and regional authorities continue to coordinate emergency response efforts and monitor the situation.

Conclusion

Analysts at International Investment note that Storm Joseph is already putting noticeable pressure on the tourism sector, particularly in regions with a high share of seasonal demand. Temporary closures of natural and cultural sites, restricted access to resorts and disruptions to transport links are directly affecting travellers’ plans and business operations, from hotels and ski resorts to urban services.

For the industry, this means not only short-term losses, but also the need to rapidly adapt logistics and communication with clients. The situation underscores tourism’s dependence on resilient infrastructure and strengthens the demand for more flexible risk management tools during periods of weather instability.