Storm Martinho makes March 2025 the wettest on record in Madrid, Spain
Storm Martinho struck Spain with torrential rain and strong winds on March 21, making this March the wettest on record in Madrid. Authorities issued warnings of potential flooding, with the capital and other regions placed on high alert.
Uprooted tree damages a car in Lisbon due to the impact of Storm Martinho. Image credit: Mister Mar
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a yellow alert for all regions of mainland Spain, excluding the Canary Islands, forecasting up to 60 mm (2.36 inches) of rainfall within 12 hours and wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
Martinho’s intense rainfall caused the Manzanares River in Madrid to increase its flow fifteenfold, according to local reports. While exact totals for the capital have not been confirmed, nearby regions experienced extreme precipitation, with the coastal town of Águilas receiving 70 mm (2.75 inches) in just one hour.
The rapid accumulation of runoff over already saturated ground has significantly increased the flood risk across central and southern parts of the country. Authorities have advised residents to limit travel and stay updated on official alerts.
AEMET noted that many rivers in the center and south of the Peninsula are currently running at very high levels due to the saturated soil, further raising the risk of flooding.
In Castilla y León, authorities reported persistent rainfall and strong winds, with more than 400 storm-related incidents. Emergency services urged the public to remain cautious, especially near unchannelled sections of the Manzanares River, and recommended avoiding non-essential travel and contact with unstable riverbanks.
The storm began affecting Portugal on March 19, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h (75 mph) in highland areas and heavy rainfall. Approximately 8 241 incidents were recorded, including 5 051 in Greater Lisbon, with at least 8 reported injuries.
In Odivelas, part of the roof at Escola Básica Bernardim Ribeiro collapsed, forcing the school to close and affecting approximately 200 students.
In Lisbon, 22 roads were closed and train services over the 25 de Abril Bridge were suspended between Coina and Roma-Areeiro. Services resumed at 07:25 local time on March 20, while the Cascais line remained closed, disrupting commuter traffic.
Maritime navigation was suspended at 20 ports, disrupting coastal and fishing communities. In Lourinhã, a roof collapse forced 13 people to relocate. Approximately 50 000 people lost electricity across the districts of Leiria, Coimbra, and Vila Real due to the storm.
References:
1 Storm Martinho Causes Severe Weather Warnings Across Spain – The Pinnacle Gazette – March 21, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.