Storm Filomena has blanketed parts of Spain in heavy snow, with half of the country on red alert for more on Saturday.
Madrid, one of the worst affected areas, is set to see up to 20cm (eight inches) of snow in the next 24 hours.
Further south the storm caused rivers to burst their banks.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told a news conference that three deaths had been reported so far.
A 54-year-old man was found dead under the snow in the town of Zarzalejo, north-west of Madrid, El Pais newspaper reported, and two other people were said to have been swept away by floods near the southern city of Malaga.
As snow fell on Madrid on Friday evening, a number of vehicles became stranded on a motorway near the capital.
The city's Barajas airport has closed, along with a number of roads, and all trains to and from Madrid have been cancelled.
Firefighters were called in to assist drivers who had become stuck. In some areas the military were called in to help clear roads.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged people to stay at home and to follow the instructions of emergency services.
According to local media, the snowfall in Madrid is the heaviest in at least 40 years. The country's AEMET weather agency said the snowfall was "exceptional and most likely historic".
A number of people were seen making the most of the snowy scenery, walking through Madrid's Puerta del Sol square.
Large parks in Madrid have since been closed as a precaution, AFP news agency reports.
One man was pictured skiing along the Gran Via, the capital's famous shopping street.
In Cañada Real, the largest shanty town in western Europe, residents were seen creating a bonfire to keep warm.
The cold weather is set to continue beyond the weekend with temperatures in Madrid predicted to hit -12C on Thursday.
Latest Stories
-
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
8 seconds -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
11 mins -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
13 mins -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
17 mins -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
20 mins -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
37 mins -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
38 mins -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
1 hour -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
1 hour -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
1 hour -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
1 hour -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
2 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
2 hours -
Retain NPP for the good of Ghana – Rebecca Akufo-Addo
2 hours -
‘Let’s work together to improve sanitation, promote health outcome’ – Sector Minister urges
2 hours