National
Much of Spain on alert for cold and snow today
By h.b. - Dec 18, 2007 - 8:47 AM
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The Madrid – Zaragoza motorway has been closed this morning by the snow. Aragon is currently the worst affected area of the country.
In Andalucia only Almería has an Orange snow warning, but there are yellow warnings in Granada and Málaga.
The cold is forecast to intensify from today and snow will be seen even on low-lying land in many areas.
In the Ebro valley the snow-line will fall to just 200m today.
On the Canary Islands a cold front will significantly affect the weather bringing heavy rain.
Civil protection have warned that drivers should check the weather before starting any journey and ensure that snowchains are in boot, that the fuel tank is full and to drive with caution.
If you are stuck in snow you are recommended to stay in the vehicle with the engine running and heating turned on, changing the air inside the vehicle from time to time and checking that the exhaust pipe remains clear of snow.
If you are forced to abandon the vehicle, you are asked to tie a colourful piece of fabric to the car antenna.
Meanwhile there was a record demand for electricity at 6,53pm last night at 45.45 Megawatts. It beats the previous record from January 27 2005, and was met by the power companies without problem.
Today’s forecast is for heavy rain on the Canaries, moderate snowfalls inland across the country, particularly in the northern third and the Ebro valley.
Winds will be E weak to moderate, but strong on the Canaries and in the Strait.
The outlook:- The rain will continue on the Canaries, and temperatures will recover slightly across the mainland from tomorrow, taking the snowline up to 1500m in most areas.
Remaining cloudy across the country on Thursday with moderate rainfall in the east of the country and showers elsewhere.
Friday will see a general improvement but cloudy intervals will remain.
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