Weather authorities in Portugal and Spain have issued fresh storm warnings as a new system approaches the region, coming just days after the powerful Storm Kristin caused widespread destruction and fatalities across both countries.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed large swathes of the country — especially coastal, central and northern areas — under orange and yellow alerts for Storm Leonardo, forecasting persistent heavy rain, strong gusty winds and rough seas. Snowfall is also expected in higher elevations as the system moves in from the Atlantic.
In coastal regions of central Portugal, wind gusts could reach up to 75 km/h, with up to 95 km/h in mountainous zones. Rainfall totals between 150 mm and 250 mm are possible in some inland regions through early next week. The Azores and Madeira islands are also under alerts for high winds, waves of up to 10–19 metres, and rough maritime conditions.
The warnings come just one week after Storm Kristin battered the Iberian Peninsula, killing multiple people in Portugal and Spain, tearing roofs off buildings, severing power to hundreds of thousands of homes and leaving a trail of storm damage. Central regions in Portugal — especially around Leiria — were among the worst-hit, with authorities estimating damage in the billions and ongoing reconstruction efforts.
Spanish weather agency AEMET has also issued high-level alerts in parts of southern Spain, particularly in Andalusia, where risks of flooding and landslides are elevated due to heavy downpours expected over the coming days. Authorities in Andalusia have ordered school closures and urged residents to take “utmost caution” as the storm approaches.
In both countries, emergency services remain on standby, ready to respond to flooding, fallen trees, power outages and travel disruptions. Civil protection agencies have reiterated advice for people to avoid non-essential journeys, secure loose outdoor objects and prepare for possible disruptions to utilities and transport networks.
Meteorologists say that the series of storms this winter — including Kristin and now Leonardo — reflects a particularly active and wetter-than-normal season for southern Europe. Continued precipitation and high winds are expected to strain recovery efforts in regions still dealing with infrastructure damage and power restoration.
