Snow and wind hit northern and central Spain

Snow, high winds and rain whipped across Spain today, and emergency services declared alerts in 13 of Spain's 17 provinces.

The severest weather hit the north and centre of the country, but the southern region of Andalusia was also affected.

Bad weather forced the closure of three mountain passes in the northern Cantabria region and authorities advised of the use of chains for vehicles.

Real Madrid soccer team did its morning training session in the sleet in the capital, television footage showed.

Cold and wind also kept tourists away from beaches in the Canary Islands. Forecasters predicted the bad weather would continue into tomorrow.

AP