Storm Marta Paralyzes Spain, Causes Widespread Disruptions and Economic Losses

Storm Marta Batters Iberian Peninsula

Storm Marta unleashed a torrent of heavy rain, strong winds, and snow across the Iberian Peninsula between February 6 and 8, 2026, causing extensive damage and widespread disruptions primarily in Spain, particularly the southern region of Andalusia. The storm arrived on the heels of previous systems, Kristin and Leonardo, exacerbating already saturated ground conditions and increasing vulnerability to flooding and landslides.

Infrastructure and Travel Grinds to a Halt

The impact on Spain's infrastructure was immediate and severe. Over 170 Spanish roads were rendered impassable, with some reports indicating as many as 179 closures. This included critical national arteries such as the A-48 in Cádiz, the A-44 in Jaén, and the A-32 connecting Jaén and Albacete. Andalusia bore the brunt of these closures, accounting for 137 roads alone. Travel was severely hampered, with rail services experiencing significant disruptions, including the suspension of high-speed AVE trains between Malaga and Madrid due to track damage. Flights were diverted, and ferry services between Algeciras and Tangier were suspended, further isolating regions.

The disruptions extended to vital supply chains, with trucks transporting automotive components left stranded and supermarket deliveries facing considerable delays. The Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE) estimated that a 24-hour closure on the A-44 alone cost exporters approximately €12 million in missed delivery windows.

Evacuations, Casualties, and Economic Fallout

The severe weather necessitated the evacuation of more than 11,000 people across Andalusia. Tragically, Storm Marta contributed to at least two fatalities in the Iberian Peninsula: a snowplow driver in Spain's Ávila province and a 46-year-old man who drowned in a river in Portugal. Emergency services were overwhelmed, with the 112 Andalucía Emergency Service responding to over 10,600 incidents, predominantly in the provinces of Cádiz, Seville, and Jaén.

The agricultural sector suffered 'catastrophic' damage, particularly in southern and western Spain. Early assessments suggested that around 20% of Andalusia's agricultural output could be affected, with farming unions warning of potential losses in the billions of euros for Spain. Portugal's agriculture ministry estimated its agricultural and forestry sectors faced losses of approximately €750 million (USD 890 million). Andalusia's regional president, Juan Manuel Moreno, indicated that repair costs for damaged infrastructure in the region alone could exceed €500 million.

Weather Warnings and Lingering Effects

Throughout the storm, both the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued widespread orange and yellow alerts for torrential rain, heavy snow at altitudes above 900 meters, strong winds with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h, and hazardous coastal conditions featuring waves between 5 and 13 meters. While weather conditions began to improve by February 9, officials cautioned that the emergency phase was not over, as saturated reservoirs and elevated river levels continued to pose risks. The Sevilla Football Club's home match was postponed due to the adverse conditions.