Heavy rain drenched Madrid on Wednesday afternoon, disrupting travel for many residents and visitors and complicating access to the city. Flooding closed key streets and major routes into the capital, while several transit lines operated under unusual stress as crews worked to manage the aftermath of the downpour.
Municipal firefighters connected with the Madrid city administration logged a high volume of calls before evening, tackling puddles, minor property damage, and a range of hazards created by the rainfall. Neighborhoods and streets felt the immediate impact, prompting coordinated action from city services and first responders. Local authorities urged people to exercise caution and to stay away from flooded areas while water levels remained elevated in multiple zones.
Public awareness grew when video footage circulated showing the scale of disruption to the metro system. Three lines faced operational challenges on Wednesday, with restoration work aimed at stabilizing service along the affected corridors. Transit operators indicated some routes faced restrictions or temporary suspensions as safety checks were carried out and drainage work started to prevent further disruption.
Line 4, running through central Madrid, reported a partial shutdown between Lista and Goya stations due to traffic being halted in both directions. Line 2 saw limited service between Las Rosas and La Elipa, although trains continued to stop at Quevedo and Banco de España stations. Dramatic scenes were captured at the Calle de Alcalá entrance to a major station, where the lobby filled with water and a temporary pool formed, as residents shared videos online. These clips underscored how severe the flooding was in critical parts of the network and highlighted the urgency of the city’s response.
Further interruptions occurred on line 5 between Pirámides and Vista Alegre, affecting five stations, while line 11 reported that trains did not stop between La Peseta and La Fortuna as crews worked to restore normal operations and ensure passenger safety. The metro was not alone in feeling the impact; Cercanías commuter services in the Madrid region also faced disruptions, with trains between Atocha and Chamartín paused to address safety and operational concerns after the heavy rain. The sun tunnel area was cited as a recovery zone where crews coordinated the restart of services with a clear focus on safety and flood mitigation.
Across the city, underground tunnels sustained flooding and several major streets, including Bailén, experienced inundation. Rainwater collected in low-lying areas and along main thoroughfares, complicating traffic flow and increasing the risk of accidents. Large puddles slowed vehicle movement, and reports of collisions or near misses emerged as drivers navigated newly formed hazards.
The afternoon rush hour saw notable congestion on principal routes into and out of Madrid as drivers sought alternative paths and additional transit options. City officials and emergency responders prioritized rapid drainage and clearance of blocked routes to restore mobility while safeguarding the public. Residents noted that some neighborhoods experienced recurring flooding signs, prompting sheltering guidance and other protective measures.
In the hours that followed, emergency services remained active, coordinating with road authorities to monitor water levels, remove debris, and secure flooded areas. Crews assessed the structural integrity of flooded roads and vulnerable buildings, deploying pumps and other equipment to reduce water buildup. The day closed with a focused effort to stabilize conditions, resume metro and Cercanías services as soon as it was safe, and return to normal traffic patterns. The broader regional impact of the rainfall remained visible in ongoing advisories and evaluations by municipal and regional authorities, who emphasized readiness for potential further weather events and the need for clear, timely information for residents and travelers.