Storm arrives, two Spanish league games canceled

Storm Marta is battering Spain and, according to experts, it seems the worst is yet to come. By virtue of the weather alert, the Spanish soccer federation has decided to postpone the matches between Sevilla and Girona and between Cadiz Almeria, both scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. respectively.

This is the official note circulated on institutional channels: “Following the instructions of the Regional Council of Andalusia for security and Civil Protection reasons, LaLiga announces the postponement of the matches related to the 23rd day, which should have seen Sevilla take on Girona, and the 25th day of LaLiga2, which should have seen Cadiz take on Cadiz against Almería, scheduled for this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. respectively. The new match dates and times will be announced in due course, once they have been established, in agreement with the clubs involved and the relevant bodies”.

A preventive evacuation plan has been triggered in much of Spain due to the arrival of storm Marta: more than 11’000 people have had to leave their homes, especially in the province of Cordoba, Andalusia. The area is considered particularly at risk due to the rising level of the Guadalquivir River, which could overflow in the event of new heavy rainfall.

The situation is already critical because only a few days ago another disturbance, Storm Leonardo, hit large parts of Spain and Portugal, causing widespread flooding and severe road problems: 169 roads were closed and numerous rail links suspended. Although Marta is expected to be less violent, the ground and waterways are already saturated, making the area extremely vulnerable to even moderate rains.