At least one person has been killed and thousands evacuated as Storm Leonardo continues to batter Spain and Portugal, unleashing torrential rains that have pushed rivers and reservoirs to breaking point across the Iberian Peninsula. The severe weather has prompted significant military deployments and widespread disruption, including school closures and train cancellations.
Fatalities and Widespread Displacement
A man in his sixties was found dead in his vehicle after being swept away by a powerful current near a dam in the municipality of Serpa, Portugal. A spokesperson for the national civil protection authority confirmed the fatality, stating, "A vehicle was found with one occupant, so there is one death." The storm has forced the evacuation of at least 3,500 people in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia alone, with widespread flooding continuing to threaten communities.
Extreme Rainfall and Saturated Ground
Rainfall levels have reached extraordinary heights, with Grazalema in Andalusia receiving over 40 centimetres of rain in a 24-hour period—equivalent to the annual rainfall typically seen in Madrid. Spain's AEMET weather agency has issued its highest alert, warning of "extraordinary" levels of rain, floods, and landslides. The situation is exacerbated by oversaturated ground, as noted by Maria Paz Fernandez, mayor of Ronda, who told public broadcaster RTVE that "the ground can no longer absorb" the rain, leading to numerous landslides in rural areas.
Military and Emergency Response
Regional and national authorities have mobilised substantial resources to contain the damage, deploying over 1,200 emergency personnel and 400 military service members in Spain. In Portugal, armed forces have deployed approximately 1,600 personnel, including marine teams using 35 inflatable boats for rescue operations. Emergency aircraft and helicopters are also monitoring the most critical regions. This response comes just a week after Storm Kristin left six dead and thousands without power, compounding the crisis.
Critical Infrastructure and Power Outages
Portugal has raised its alert level to the maximum until at least Friday, with authorities warning that several rivers are at high risk of flooding. In Alcacer do Sal, 55 miles south of Lisbon, the Sado river overflowed its banks, causing flooding in parts of the town. Residents report ongoing concerns, with Jose Luis Castillo from Jimera de Libar telling Reuters, "It's been raining like this for hours. The river has already overflowed, and people are very worried inside their homes. We are experiencing many power cuts." Nearly 134,000 households remain without electricity this week due to the impacts of Storm Kristin, with around 95,000 affected in the Leiria region.
The devastating effects of Storm Leonardo highlight the increasing severity of weather events in the region, with emergency services and military forces working tirelessly to mitigate further loss and damage as the storm continues to unfold.
