SNOW UPDATE: Several major roads to ‘be cut off immediately ‘ after intense snow continues to fall in Spain

GENERAL Traffic Minister (DGT), Gregorio Serrano, has announced that parts of the AP-6, A-61 and AP-51 will be ‘cut off’ due to increased snowfall.

Police and Guardia Civil officers rescued thousands of people earlier in the day after heavy snowfall left hundreds of vehicles trapped on the road overnight.

According to reports, approximately 70 kilometres of motorway between Madrid and Segovia were affected, with the AP-6 motorway in Castile, Leon and north-western parts of the region feeling the full force of the snowfall.

More than 150 members of the army’s military emergencies unit (UME) were deployed earlier this morning (Sunday) to help rescue people and the road was temporarily re-opened in a “provisional manner” earlier this afternoon.

But Serrano has now announced the closure of several roads amid more intense snow until further notice.

He tweeted: “The AP-6, AP-61 AND AP-51 will be cut immediately because of the increase in snow intensity. Follow the notices and instructions of the Guardia Civil.”

Se va a cortar de manera inmediata la AP-6, AP-61 y AP-51 por el incremento de la intensidad de la nevada. Respetar los avisos y las indicaciones de la @guardiacivil

— Gregorio Serrano (@Gserrano_DGT) January 7, 2018

Se corta la AP-6 por la fijación de la nube en un tramo de la autopista, según nos ha advertido AEMET, y por petición de la concesionaria. Prudencia y atender las indicaciones de la @guardiacivil. Dos unidades de la @UMEgob permanecen en alerta en la AP-6 por si se necesitara. pic.twitter.com/LdZTql8jiy

— Gregorio Serrano (@Gserrano_DGT) January 7, 2018

He continued: “The AP-6 is cut due to cloud on a section of the highway, as AEMET has warned us, and at the request of the concessionaire. “Take care of the indications of the Guardia Civil.

“Two units of the Emergency Military Unit (UME)  remain on alert in the AP-6 in case it is needed.”

Drivers are advised to watch for regular Guardia Civil updates if travelling in the region.