A massive power outage has plunged large parts of Spain, Portugal, and southern France into darkness today, causing widespread disruption across the Iberian Peninsula.

The blackout, which began around midday local time, has affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona and Seville, leaving millions without electricity and disrupting transportation, communication, and essential services. Authorities have convened emergency meetings to coordinate response efforts, and while some areas have begun to see power restoration, full recovery is expected to take several hours.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that a rare atmospheric phenomenon, involving extreme temperature variations, may have disrupted the European power grid. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica described the event as “exceptional and extraordinary,” citing severe oscillations in the power grid that led to Spain disconnecting from the European network. Portuguese officials have indicated that the problem appears to have originated in Spain’s electricity distribution network.

Public transportation systems have been severely impacted, with subway networks in Madrid and Lisbon halted, leaving commuters stranded. Traffic lights have failed, causing gridlock and increasing the risk of accidents. Airports, including Madrid Barajas and Lisbon Portela, are operating on backup generators, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Hospitals are relying on emergency power to maintain critical services, and some have postponed non-urgent procedures. Retail outlets and ATMs are unable to process electronic payments, prompting concerns over access to essential goods and services.

The blackout has also affected parts of southern France, though to a lesser extent, with minor disruptions reported in regions such as the Basque Country. French grid operators are supplying additional power to northern Spain to assist in recovery efforts.

This is truly bananas: all of Europe appears to have been seconds away a continent-wide blackout.

The grid frequency across continental Europe plunged to 49.85 hertz — just a hair above the red-line collapse threshold.

The normal operating frequency for Europe’s power grid… https://t.co/5qyZLpammm pic.twitter.com/83eCl5B1Ux— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) April 28, 2025

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