Television images showed several neighbourhoods in Avila, a city famous for its fortifications located about 100 kilometres from the Spanish capital, and surrounding agricultural areas completely flooded by overflow from the Adaja River.

"We have maintained a state of emergency and alert in the city of Avila," Mayor Jesus Manuel Sanchez Cabrera said on public television, referring to the authorities' mobilisation efforts.

Authorities fear that melting snow from the surrounding mountains will further exacerbate the situation, though low temperatures could delay the impact.

Fourteen regions of the country are on alert for rain, snow, winds and strong waves on Saturday.

Storm Laurence, which hit the south of Spain earlier this week, has killed three people.

The heavy rains that have fallen across Spain since early March will at least end the severe drought the country has faced for more than three years, according to the national meteorological agency.