Madrid hit by Storm Filomena

Record-breaking snowfall across Spain has brought major disruption to the country and left 4 people dead.

Storm Filomena brought snowfalls not seen in Madrid since 1971. The blizzard, described by the Spanish meteorological agency as "exceptional", brought the capital to a standstill. Madrid's Barajas airport was shuttered, movement on over 400 roads was disrupted and Spanish rail network RENFE suspended all trains in and out of the capital.

While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged residents to keep off the streets, many ventured out to enjoy this unexpected winter wonderland.

Covadonga Solares: "I live nearby and we decided to come here because we thought we had to see this. It's great! We're so excited and there's also such a good atmosphere. You see people having fun and I really - maybe I'm a bit too sensitive, I think it's moving, the mood is happy. It's nice, really."

Residents strapped on skis and mounted sleds. Snowmen were erected around Madrid's most historic monuments.

The regions of Valencia, Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia were also impacted by Filomena.

Attempts are being made to clear the streets before a predicted further drop in temperatures. Weniger anzeigen