Madrid: Heavy rainfall and strong winds linked to Storm Leonardo have caused widespread disruption across the Iberian peninsula and parts of northern Africa. Emergency services have responded to flooding, evacuations and transport interruptions as the slow-moving system has continued to bring intense weather conditions.
In southern Spain, extreme rainfall totals have been recorded, with more than 700mm falling in Grazalema within days. The amount has been roughly equivalent to the country’s average annual rainfall. Across Andalucía, around 3,500 residents have been evacuated, while schools and roads have closed and public transport has faced disruption.
Search operations have been ongoing in Málaga province after a girl was reported missing when floodwaters swept through a river. Emergency teams have continued efforts as authorities have warned of ongoing risks from rising water levels and saturated ground.
Neighbouring Portugal has also faced severe impacts while still recovering from a previous storm. Fresh downpours have triggered landslides, flooding and falling trees, leading to further evacuations. More than 200 people have been moved to safety, and another death has been reported after a vehicle was carried away by floodwaters in the Alentejo region.
Beyond Europe, northern Morocco has experienced flash floods caused by overflowing rivers and reservoirs. More than 100,000 people have been evacuated in affected areas, including the city of Ksar El-Kebir in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Authorities have continued to monitor water levels and provide emergency support.
Meteorologists have attributed the severity of Storm Leonardo to a southward shift in the jet stream combined with an atmospheric river carrying tropical moisture from the Caribbean. The system has remained slow-moving, allowing rainfall to accumulate over already saturated soils and swollen rivers.
Further heavy rain and flood risks have remained likely in southern Spain and northern Portugal as the storm lingers near the north-west of the Iberian peninsula. Additional rainfall totals of 150mm to 250mm have been forecast for parts of Portugal by the end of the week. Meanwhile,
Tropical Storm Penha has formed in the western Pacific, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to areas of the Philippines before weakening after landfall.Authorities across affected regions have continued to issue warnings and prepare for prolonged unsettled conditions as Storm Leonardo remains active.
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