The snow disrupted traffic and caused major traffic jams.

For some motorists it meant putting chains on their tyres, not the easiest of operations in a country not used to such conditions.

Thousands of people were trapped in trains by the blizzard, with most evacuated to local sports halls where they spent the night.

Some local train services resumed.

Spain´s border with France at La Jonquera was closed with thousands of trucks left stranded.

Overnight temperatures in Catalonia have dipped to minus 9 degrees celsius.

Some 30 provinces across Spain are on a weather alert.