Iberian Peninsula Reels as Storm Leonardo Leaves Trail of Destruction

Storm Leonardo tore across Portugal and Spain on Wednesday, bringing catastrophic flooding, deadly currents, and unprecedented rainfall that has left at least one person dead and forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Authorities in both countries remain on high alert as the storm continues to batter the region with heavy rain and powerful winds.

Fatality in Portugal as Floodwaters Surge

Emergency services in Portugal confirmed the death of a man in his 60s who was swept away while attempting to drive through a flooded area in the southeastern municipality of Serpa. His vehicle was later found near a dam, submerged by the storm’s powerful currents.

The country, still recovering from last week’s deadly Storm Kristin, has recorded more than 3,300 emergency incidents since Sunday, including widespread flooding, fallen trees, and landslides. Over 11,000 personnel have been deployed to manage the crisis, and around 200 residents were evacuated from central Portugal on Wednesday.

In Alcácer do Sal, south of Lisbon, the Sado River burst its banks, submerging the town’s main avenue and leaving streets navigable only by boat.

Spain Issues Highest Weather Alerts as Evacuations Mount

Across the border, Spain’s national weather agency AEMET placed parts of Andalusia under its highest red alert, warning of “extraordinary” rainfall capable of triggering severe floods and landslides.

The mountainous municipality of Grazalema recorded more than 40 centimetres of rain in just 24 hours—equivalent to a full year’s rainfall in Madrid. Officials described the situation as “very worrying,” with saturated ground unable to absorb further downpours.

Approximately 3,500 people were evacuated across Andalusia, while hundreds of soldiers were deployed to assist rescue operations. Schools across the region were closed, except in Almeria, and nearly all suburban, regional, and long-distance trains were cancelled due to impassable roads and damaged infrastructure.

Transport, Power, and Infrastructure Severely Hit

Dozens of roads across both countries have been shut due to flooding, landslides, and debris. In Spain, rail operator Renfe suspended most services across Andalusia, with no replacement buses possible due to hazardous conditions.

Portugal continues to struggle with power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers, a lingering impact from Storm Kristin that has been compounded by Leonardo’s arrival.

Authorities Warn of More Severe Weather Ahead

Portugal’s Environment Minister, Maria da Graça Carvalho, warned that the storm’s impact could intensify through Thursday, with further worsening expected over the weekend and another potential peak early next week.

Meteorologists in both countries caution that the ground remains dangerously saturated, increasing the likelihood of additional flooding, landslides, and infrastructure failures.

A Year of Relentless Storms

Storm Leonardo is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to strike the Iberian Peninsula this year. Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is amplifying the frequency and severity of such storms, leaving communities increasingly vulnerable.

Portugal and Spain are still reeling from recent deadly floods and storms, including the devastating October 2024 floods in Spain that claimed more than 230 lives.

Outlook

With more heavy rain forecast and emergency services stretched thin, authorities urge residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and avoid travel unless necessary.

Storm Leonardo continues to pose a significant threat as it moves across the Iberian Peninsula, leaving communities bracing for further disruption in the days ahead.