Storm Leonardo Leaves Death and Destruction Across Iberian Peninsula
Storm Leonardo battered Spain and Portugal on Wednesday, February 5, 2026, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, and at least one fatality. The storm, the latest in a series to impact the Iberian Peninsula this year, forced thousands to evacuate, shut down schools, and canceled train services, according to Euronews.
In Portugal, a man in his 60s died after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to drive across a flooded area in the southeastern part of the country, the national civil protection authority reported. "A vehicle was found with one occupant, so there is one death," a spokesman stated.
Spain was placed on red alert as Storm Leonardo unleashed torrential rain and floods. Grazalema, in Cádiz province, was particularly hard hit, with more than 470 liters of rain falling, overwhelming underground channels and causing rivers to overflow into the streets, Euronews reported. Approximately 60 residents from low-lying neighborhoods were evacuated. The mayor warned that homes further uphill could be affected later in the day. The region remained under red alert, with up to 150 liters per square meter still expected and winds reaching 80 kmh. Classes were cancelled.
In Alcacer do Sal, Portugal, emergency crews used boats to rescue residents after the Sado river burst its banks, cutting off parts of the town, Euronews stated. Shops closed and the main avenue disappeared under water. Portuguese civil protection reported thousands of incidents, including flooded homes and fallen trees, with hundreds of people evacuated. Soldiers were deployed to assist rescue teams.
The storm follows weeks of severe weather across Iberia. Last week, severe weather had already killed five people and injured hundreds in Portugal, according to Euronews.
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