What closes during a red alert: schools, work, trains and roads

Key rules

• Schools: Your regional education department decides whether classes are suspended, so rules differ between regions.
• Work: Tell your employer straight away and keep proof if a red alert stops you getting to work.
• Transport: Rail, bus and road restrictions are decided case by case, so check each service before you travel.
• Traffic: Catalonia and the Basque Country announce road limits through their own traffic services.

Schools: your region decides

In a red alert, regional authorities may suspend classes and urge people to stay home. A red alert often leads to suspension, but the rule differs by region, so a school in your town may stay open when another region closes.

The regional education department (consejería de Educación) decides, usually on the advice of the regional emergency authority and the national weather agency's warnings. Sometimes the mayor or the government delegation takes part. This applies to public and state-funded schools.

You will normally hear through the school's app or platform, email, SMS, the regional education website, social media, or local radio and press. If you are unsure, check the regional education department and call the school.

Work: no general right to stay home

Spanish labour law gives you no general right to stay away from work because of bad weather. Paid leave exists only for specific events, such as a close relative's illness or death. Employers must still protect your safety at work.

Climate emergencies are a partial exception. Since the October 2024 floods, employees who cannot reach work, or whose journey or work would be dangerous, can get paid climate leave when authorities issue risk warnings or restrict travel. It has limits, including a cap of four days a year. The exact terms and pay may have changed, so confirm them before relying on this leave.

If a red alert stops you getting to work:

• Tell your employer straight away.
• Keep proof, such as the official warning, a cancelled train notice or a road closure.
• Ask whether remote work or flexible hours are possible. Your collective agreement or your employer's rules may give you more than the law does.

Trains, flights and city transport

Expect reduced or cancelled rail services, especially where there is flooding or snow. Flights can be delayed or cancelled. Cities may suspend buses, metro or tram, and close parks.

Roads

Traffic authorities announce closed roads, bans on lorries and when you need snow chains. Catalonia and the Basque Country run their own traffic services. Regional emergency bodies and city councils also announce restrictions. These are decided case by case, so check before you leave.

Where to check

Local radio, TV and press also carry updates. The warning and FAQ below cover the points people most often get wrong.

What to watch out for

• No general right to stay home because of bad weather: Spanish labour rules do not give every employee a right to skip work just because the weather is bad. Staying home without a recognised reason could count as an unjustified absence. Tell your employer straight away if you cannot reach work, keep proof of the alert or road closure, and ask whether remote work or flexibility is allowed.

• Climate leave has limits: Paid climate leave (permiso climático) exists for workers who cannot get to work, or whose work would be dangerous, during an emergency with official warnings or travel restrictions. It is limited to four days a year. Inform your employer and show the situation. Ask your employer or the Ministry of Labour how it applies to you, since your collective agreement may give more.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether my child's school closes in a red alert?

The regional education department (consejería de Educación) decides whether classes are suspended, usually on the advice of the regional emergency authority.

Does the school stay open if my town is under a red alert?

Not necessarily: a red alert often leads to suspension of classes, but the rule differs by region. Check the regional education department's website and your school's app or email before you leave home. In some cases the mayor or the government delegation also takes part in the decision.

Who announces closed roads and cancelled trains?

Road limits come from the traffic authority: the DGT in most of Spain, and the regional traffic bodies in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Rail cuts are announced by Renfe and Adif, flight problems by Aena and your airline. Cities announce bus, metro, tram and park closures.