Snow in northern Spain brings the region to a standstill as hundreds of trucks are stuck, and shops feel strain

Snowfall has frozen traffic on major roads in Spain’s north, and supermarkets are warning about supply shortages.

Spain’s traffic authority DGT has temporarily banned heavy-goods vehicles from several major routes. This was done after ice and sleet made driving conditions dangerous. Although the decision is aimed at safety it has spread quickly throughout the transport system.

The worst affected areas are those along the routes that lead into Galicia. Long-distance cargo traffic has virtually halted.

Hundreds lorries stuck in Galicia

The most serious disruption is on the A-52 motorway, which links Castile and León with Galicia. Since Friday morning around 440 trucks have been forced into stopping in Zamora, as they are unable to continue on their journeys due to the restrictions.

The queues of trucks parked in service areas have now stretched for kilometers. According to government officials, 300 vehicles wait at Quintanilla de Urz. Another 100 are at Puebla de Sanabria. And several more at Mombuey.

The A-6 motorway, between León and Lugo, has also been affected, with heavy vehicles barred from travelling between Cuevas and Pedrafita do Cebreiro due to snow on the carriageway.

Several routes are still open but with extreme caution. The AP-66, linking Asturias and León, and parts of the AG-53 in Pontevedra are still passable for lorries, though conditions remain difficult and unpredictable.

Snow continues to fall, and more restrictions are added.

This situation does not only affect traffic heading to Galicia. DGT Soria announced that new restrictions would be imposed on vehicles transporting goods over 7.5 tonnes starting at 3pm, Friday.

Seven road sections will be affected. They include the A-2, A-15 N-111 N-122 N-234 CL-101 N-110. Officials have said that this is a preventive measure to reduce the chances of accidents, as temperatures and snowfall increase.

Total of 53 roads are affected by snow in the north of Spain. This includes four major routes that form part of the national network. The drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary journeys and to check the conditions before leaving.

Supermarkets warn about shortages if there are delays

The ripple effects can be felt well beyond the road. Asedas, Spain’s supermarket association has warned that restrictions on deliveries are already disrupting supplies.

The group says that the weather could affect more than 15 routes with high capacity, as well as dozens of local and regional roads. The restocking of goods has become more difficult as hundreds of lorries are immobilised.

Retailers report that for the moment, things are under control. However, they warn of the dangers of prolonged restrictions, which could lead to empty stores, especially in areas dependent heavily on daily deliveries.

Asedas called on the authorities to handle the situation the same way they do it during severe weather conditions, by balancing the need to maintain essential goods with road safety.

The familiar winter scene with its growing consequences

Although winter snow isn’t new to northern Spain, modern logistics have made it so that disruptions can be felt more quickly. What starts as a road safety measure can quickly become a supply problem for cities and towns.

The priority for lorry drivers who have waited since the dawn is to know when they can move again. It’s about keeping the shelves stocked for supermarkets. For authorities, managing a weather situation that is not easing up poses a challenge.

DGT has issued a clear message: avoid traveling if possible. Expect delays and be ready for further restrictions, if snow falls.