Storm Leonardo Leaves Death and Destruction in Iberian Peninsula
Storm Leonardo brought torrential rain and strong winds to Spain and Portugal, causing widespread flooding, evacuations, and at least one death. The storm, which struck the Iberian Peninsula on Tuesday, led to the evacuation of thousands and disrupted transportation networks, according to Euronews and Sky News reports from February 5, 2026.
In Portugal, a man in his 60s died in the southern Alentejo region near Serpa after his car was swept away by floodwater, Civil Protection confirmed. Euronews reported that around 200 people were evacuated on Wednesday, and waist-deep water covered Alcácer do Sal's main avenue after the Sado River overflowed, despite sandbags placed outside shops. Since Sunday, emergency teams have responded to over 3,300 incidents, including floods, fallen trees, and landslides. Forecasters warned that another storm is approaching.
Spain also faced severe consequences, with approximately 4,000 people evacuated in Andalusia, according to Euronews. Schools were closed, and rail and road links were suspended in several areas. The village of Grazalema in Cadiz experienced extreme rainfall, with over 600 liters per square meter falling in just 36 hours, according to AEMET. Police in Cadiz waded through waist-deep water to rescue people trapped in an abandoned building. Civil Guard officers were searching for a woman missing near Malaga, believed to have fallen into a swollen river while trying to cross it.
The storm's impact extended beyond immediate evacuations and rescues. The heavy rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding streets and damaging homes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as emergency services continue to respond to the ongoing situation.
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