The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has issued a special warning regarding the arrival of Storm Leonardo, which will cause heavy rain and snowfall in large areas of the Peninsula during Wednesday and Thursday, with the risk of road closures, traffic restrictions and travel complications, especially in the south and in the northern interior of the country.
According to the forecasts of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the most adverse episode of rain will be concentrated in the south of the peninsula, with extreme risk warnings in the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga. Given this situation, the Andalusian authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel in the affected areas.
The DGT warns that the predicted rainfall adds to the rain recorded in recent weeks, which increases the risk of flooding, landslides and new road closures, especially in the secondary network of Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura.
Snowfall expected in the center and north with impact on high-capacity roads
In addition to the rain, Storm Leonardo will leave precipitation in the form of snow in numerous areas of the central and northern peninsula. The most adverse period is expected from midnight on Wednesday and throughout the day, affecting provinces such as Ávila, Segovia, Madrid, Guadalajara, Cuenca, Teruel, Soria, Burgos, Palencia, León, Lugo, Ourense and Huesca.
The DGT points out that snowfall may affect both local roads and highways and highways, including the A-6, AP-6, A-1, A-2, A-52, A-66/AP-66, A-67, A-231 and A-15, which is why it insists on the need to check the state of the roads before starting any journey.
Traffic restrictions and safety measures
Depending on the evolution of the weather and the state of the roads, Traffic may apply restrictions to the circulation of heavy vehicles, limit the passage to those who do not have winter tires, all-season tires or chains, reduce speed, prohibit overtaking or decree preventive cuts and mandatory detours.
Likewise, the DGT has prepared 32 automated and monitored detours for the bagging of trucks, which will be activated if conditions require it.
Given this episode of rain and snow, the DGT recommends leaving the left lane free to facilitate the passage of conservation and snow plow vehicles, respect the variable signage, follow the instructions of the Civil Traffic Guard and take extreme caution, especially in areas with weather warnings.
The organization keeps its eight traffic management centers activated, operational 24 hours a day, and coordinates the monitoring of the storm with Civil Protection, AEMET, the Civil Guard and the Ministry of Transport. Updated information on the state of the roads can be consulted in the newsletters, the official website of the DGT, its profiles on social networks and the 011 telephone number.