New Storm Leonardo to Bring Flooding to Spain & Portugal After Deadly Kristin

New Storm Threatens Portugal and Spain Following Devastating Floods

A fresh Atlantic storm, dubbed Leonardo, is poised to bring further disruption to Portugal and Spain, just one week after Storm Kristin unleashed deadly floods and widespread damage across the Iberian Peninsula. The new system threatens to exacerbate already dire conditions, particularly in areas still reeling from the impact of last week’s extreme weather.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts that Storm Leonardo will impact mainland Portugal from Tuesday through Saturday, with Spain bracing for its arrival beginning Wednesday. The Iberian Peninsula has experienced a relentless series of storms in recent months, bringing torrential rainfall, thunderstorms, snow, and powerful wind gusts. Some residents in southern Spain report this winter has been the wettest in four decades.

According to the IPMA, Leonardo is expected to deliver persistent and at times intense rainfall, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 75 km/h (47 mph) along the coast south of Cabo Mondego in central Portugal, and up to 95 km/h in mountainous regions. While these wind speeds are forecast to be lower than the peak gusts exceeding 200 km/h recorded during Storm Kristin – among the strongest winds ever measured in Portugal – the potential for further flooding remains significant.

Daniela Fraga, Deputy Commander of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), warned journalists Monday evening that the heavy rainfall anticipated in the coming days could trigger renewed flooding, especially in regions already saturated by Storm Kristin. “The ground is already saturated, and river levels are high,” Fraga explained. “Even moderate rainfall can now lead to significant flooding events.”

Recovery ‘Could Take Years’

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, during a visit to damaged factories in the central city of Pombal, stated that the full recovery from Storm Kristin could take years. “This was a calamity that struck us… a lot of rain has already fallen, it will continue to rain, and there are many losses,” Montenegro told reporters. He emphasized the extensive damage to infrastructure, including factories, public facilities, roads, and railways.

As of Tuesday morning, nearly 115,000 households remained without electricity, with approximately 85,000 of those outages concentrated in the Leiria region of central Portugal, according to power distributor E-Redes. Restoration efforts are hampered by ongoing hazardous conditions and the sheer scale of the damage.

In Spain, meteorological authorities have issued warnings for intense and persistent rainfall across the southern part of the country. The mountainous region of Grazalema is particularly vulnerable, with accumulated rainfall potentially exceeding 200-250 mm within a 24-hour period. Officials have issued alerts for a high risk of flooding due to rising river levels.

Authorities in the southern Andalusia region have suspended most classes for Wednesday, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. The Spanish Military Emergency Unit has been placed on standby, ready to deploy if necessary. The regional government is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential evacuations in vulnerable areas.

The repeated onslaught of storms raises concerns about the long-term impact on the Iberian Peninsula’s infrastructure and economy. Experts suggest that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region. The focus now is on immediate emergency response and providing support to affected communities, while simultaneously planning for long-term resilience and adaptation measures.

The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging residents to stay informed and heed all official warnings. March 26th marks a critical period as Storm Leonardo makes its presence felt, testing the resilience of communities already struggling to recover from the devastation of Storm Kristin.

The economic impact of the storms is still being assessed, but early estimates suggest significant losses for agriculture, tourism, and industry. The Portuguese government has pledged to provide financial assistance to affected businesses and individuals, but the scale of the challenge is immense. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the full extent of the damage and charting a course towards recovery.