Snowstorm Filomena has paralyzed parts of Spain, where soldiers are being sent to help people in need. In the capital Madrid, residents are being urged to stay home.

Some motorists have been stuck for several hours on the roads around the capital, and are now receiving help from the military.

The snowstorm has caused travel chaos. Madrid's major airport Barajas, which was forced to close on Friday, will remain closed at least until Saturday, airport operator Aena announced.

At least 50 flights to Madrid, Malaga, Tenerife and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa have been canceled.

High-speed trains between Madrid and the cities of Alicante and Valencia in the southeast have also been cancelled, as have bus services in the capital.

On Saturday, the state weather agency Aemet issued warnings of more snowfall in Madrid and four other regions, and on Friday called the situation "exceptional and probably historic.".

Source: TT