Thursday, February 5th, marks a period of extreme atmospheric instability for the nations of Península Ibérica. The advance of an intense low pressure system resulted in heavy precipitation and strong winds, severely affecting several regions of Portugal and Espanha. Local authorities are dealing with a complex scenario of damaged infrastructure, cut roads and populations at risk due to the rapid overflow of waterways on already saturated soils.
The meteorological phenomenon caused significant damage in both urban and rural areas, requiring the mobilization of extraordinary relief resources. The volume of water accumulated in a few hours exceeded historical averages for the month in several locations, transforming public roads into dangerous rapids and isolating entire communities. Equipes of civil protection acts in maximum readiness to safeguard lives and minimize material damage.
Fatalities and search operations
The human consequences of the storm are already felt with regret by the authorities. In the region of Alentejo, in Portugal, Defesa Civil confirmed the death of a man aged approximately 70 years in the municipality of Serpa. The incident occurred when the victim tried to cross a submerged road near a dam, having his vehicle dragged by the force of the current, which reinforces warnings about the dangers of driving through flooded areas.
In Espanha, the anguish is concentrated in the province of Málaga, where rescue teams are searching the Turvilla river. A woman disappeared in turbulent waters while trying to save her pet during floodwaters. The operation involves more than 30 specialists, in addition to the support of helicopters and drones that sweep the perimeter to the mouth of the river in the hope of locating the missing woman, while the animal was rescued alive by firefighters.
Mass displacements and road collapse
The severity of the floods in the autonomous community of Andaluzia forced the Spanish government to carry out a major evacuation plan. Mais of 3,500 residents were preventively removed from areas of imminent risk, a complex logistical operation that had extensive police support to guarantee safety during the movement. The deputy prime minister of Espanha, María Jesús Montero, emphasized that the absolute priority is the preservation of human life in the face of the unpredictability of river behavior.
The transport system suffered severe disruptions, with around 148 roads in the affected region completely or partially blocked. In mountainous areas such as Grazalema, rainfall records showed extraordinary accumulations, receiving the rain expected for several months in a short period of time. Esse excess water instantly overloaded the drainage systems, causing the collapse of embankments and the destruction of pavements essential for circulation.
Urban impacts and containment measures
In Portuguese territory, the situation in Alcácer of Sal illustrates the severity of the flooding of the river Sado. The local population was forced to wade through waist-deep water in the central streets, while traders erected improvised barriers in an attempt to save their establishments. The suspension of classes affected around a thousand students, and low-lying areas of the city, including riverside commercial areas, disappeared under muddy water.
The city of Sevilha needed to activate its most rigorous defense protocols to protect its heritage. Pela for the second time since 2011, the floodgates on the river Guadalquivir were closed in order to protect the historic neighborhood of Triana. Hydrological monitoring indicates critical situations in multiple points on the peninsula, including red alerts for the rapid rise in the level of the river Tejo in Santarém and violent currents in the river Turvilla.
Saturation scenario and new threats
Storm Leonardo is the sixth extreme weather event to hit the region at the beginning of 2026, creating a scenario of soil saturation that prevents any additional absorption of water. The recurrence of these phenomena, such as the recent storm Kristin, has amplified structural and economic damage, requiring urgent investments in climate adaptation by Iberian governments.
The weather outlook remains worrying for the coming days. The Spanish agency Aemet has issued warnings about the approach of a new frontal system, called storm Marta, forecast for next weekend. The arrival of more rain over already devastated areas keeps emergency services on high alert and the population under constant warning to avoid unnecessary movement and stay in safe places.