Landslide cuts Algeciras - Granada rail line near Gaucín

(Photo: europasur.es)

Storms batter Andalucía · Better weather ahead

ANDALUCÍA A landslide between Jimena and Gaucín caused by the storms forced line closures on the Algeciras-Ronda-Granada route, which in turn affected the Algeciras-Madrid one as well. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, had the railway line administrator (ADIF) making alternative plans for passengers. The line is also used for cargo but no alternative measures could be taken for that as yet. ADIF said later yesterday, Thursday, that they didn't know how long the line would be closed because the 'situation is complicated by the weather.'>>>

The weather has caused numerous problems throughout the province of Cádiz and elsewhere in Andalucía. Thursday may or may not have been worse than Wednesday, but you'd probably not get agreement as you huddle under a dripping umbrella. Winds of up to 80 km/h were registered in Grazalema, for instance, with 100 litres per square metre, too. Some of the province's reservoirs were at one point in danger of threatening to overflow, so three of them - Arcos-Bonos, Zahara and Guadarranque- had their dams opened as a security measure.

Roads were also flooded, including the CA-2800 in Jimena, CA-6105 (Arcos), CA-9101 (Algodonales), CA-9111 (El Gastor) and the A-373 (Villamartín).

Ferry services across the Straits, as well as those in Cádiz, El Puerto de Santa María and Rota had to be suspended for several hours on both Wednesday and Thursday, while the port at Tarifa was closed.

The search for a small boat of illegal immigrants crossing the Straits and from which calls for help had been received was also suspended indefinitely on Wednesday night. News of two bodies being found was coming in as we were closing this item.

Forecasts say that things will be improving somewhat today and for the next couple of days at least. You can check the one we use here.