Holiday destinations across the Iberian Peninsula are preparing for more extreme weather conditions after a deadly storm claimed six lives and caused widespread destruction. Forecasters are now predicting persistent, heavy rainfall and powerful wind gusts reaching up to 75 km/h along coastal areas, with even stronger winds expected in higher elevations.
New Storm System Approaches Devastated Region
Portugal and Spain are bracing for the arrival of a new weather system named Storm Leonardo, which authorities warn could trigger further floods and devastation across regions still recovering from the impact of Storm Kristin. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere announced that Storm Leonardo is expected to affect mainland Portugal from Tuesday afternoon through Saturday, with neighbouring Spain anticipated to feel its effects from Wednesday.
Forecast Details and Regional Impact
Meteorologists predict wind gusts reaching up to 75 km/h (47 mph) along the coast south of Cabo Mondego, and potentially 95 km/h in higher elevation areas. This latest weather system follows a succession of intense storms that have battered the region in recent months, bringing heavy rain, thunder, snow, and strong gales. Southern Spain has reportedly experienced its wettest winter in four decades, setting the stage for potential flooding from the approaching system.
While Leonardo's gusts are expected to be less severe than the more than 200 km/h winds unleashed by Storm Kristin, which struck central Portugal last Wednesday, the new storm still poses a significant threat to infrastructure and communities. Daniela Fraga, deputy commander of Portugal's national emergency and civil protection authority ANEPC, told reporters that heavy rain in the coming days could lead to floods and inundations, mainly in regions already affected by Storm Kristin.
Recovery Efforts Amid Continuing Crisis
The storm swept across the region early last Wednesday with wind gusts topping 200 kph (124 mph) and heavy rain that uprooted trees and ripped roofs from buildings. The devastation has left nearly 134,000 households without electricity, with around 95,000 of these in the Leiria region in the centre of the country according to power distribution company E-Redes.
Government Response and Reconstruction Plans
Portugal's government approved a substantial 2.5 billion-euro package of loans and incentives on Sunday to help people and businesses rebuild after the storm. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho indicated the government could apply for grants from the European Solidarity Fund and unused EU recovery funds to finance reconstruction efforts during a joint news conference with EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.
Leiria, one of Portugal's main industrial hubs known for its plastics and metalworking industries, was among the hardest-hit areas. Hundreds of houses, several roads, schools, factories and railway lines have been affected by the severe weather. At the Monte Real air base near Leiria, the storm damaged several aircraft, including F16 fighter jets, highlighting the extensive nature of the destruction.
Spanish Weather Warnings and Preparedness
In Spain, weather authorities have issued warnings about intense and persistent rainfall expected across southern regions. In the Grazalema mountains, accumulated rainfall could exceed 200-250 mm within just 24 hours, creating dangerous conditions. Officials have issued alerts for severe flood risk due to rising river levels as the region prepares for the approaching weather system.
The Iberian Peninsula faces a challenging period of recovery while simultaneously preparing for additional extreme weather, with emergency services on high alert and communities working to secure properties and infrastructure against further damage from the approaching Storm Leonardo.
