Storm Leo unleashed heavy rain across Spain and Portugal, forcing at least 3,500 people to evacuate and putting 14 rivers and 10 dams in Andalusia at extreme risk of overflow. Authorities mobilised thousands of emergency and military personnel while AEMET warned of continued intense rainfall and landslide risk through Saturday. Portugal raised its alert to maximum and deployed marine rescue teams as river levels are expected to rise in the coming days.
Storm Leo Forces Mass Evacuations as Rivers and Reservoirs Near Breach Across the Iberian Peninsula
A flooded house near the river Guadalete as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Jimera de Libar, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Ronda, Spain — Storm Leo battered the Iberian Peninsula on Wednesday, pushing rivers and reservoirs in Spain and Portugal perilously close to overflowing just a week after deadly Storm Kristin. Heavy, sustained rain and already saturated ground left authorities racing to protect communities and critical infrastructure.
People shield themselves from heavy rain with umbrellas as they observe the Guadalevin river from a Roman bridge, as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Ronda, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Worsening Flood Risk in Andalusia
Regional officials in Andalusia warned that 14 rivers and 10 dams were at an "extreme" risk of overflow, according to Antonio Sanz, head of the regional interior department. At least 3,500 residents had been evacuated as emergency services prepared for the heaviest rainfall expected between noon and 4 p.m. local time (1500 GMT). Schools across much of Andalusia were cancelled, and residents were urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
A closed road sign, as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, on a road leading to Torre-Alhaquime, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Severe Impacts on Communities and Infrastructure
Local authorities described dire scenes in municipalities such as Grazalema, where overwhelmed sewage systems forced floodwater into homes. Television footage showed water pouring from electrical sockets and workers drilling holes in walls to drain trapped water. In Ubrique, Cadiz, the collapse of a house wall injured one person. Power outages were reported in several communities, compounding risks for residents and responders.
People walk in a shopping area amid rain as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Ronda, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
National Responses and Resources Deployed
Spanish emergency services mobilised 1,200 personnel alongside 400 military members to support evacuations and flood response. Portugal raised its alert to the maximum through at least Friday, identifying the Vouga, Agueda, Mondego, Lis, Tejo and Sorraia rivers as at high risk of flooding. Portugal's armed forces deployed 1,600 personnel, including marine teams with 35 inflatable boats, to assist with rescues and evacuations.
A police car patrols an empty shopping area amid rain as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Ronda, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Weather Forecast and Hazards
Spain's state weather agency, AEMET, forecast continuous and intense rainfall in parts of Andalusia, central Spain and Galicia through Saturday, warning of possible landslides and damage to property and infrastructure. Portugal's National Civil Protection Service said river levels were likely to rise over the coming days, increasing the flood threat downstream.
"It's been raining like this for hours. The river has already overflowed, and people are very worried inside their homes. We are experiencing many power cuts," said Jose Luis Castillo, a resident of Jimera de Libar.
Authorities also deployed emergency aircraft and helicopters to monitor critical zones and assist rescue teams. The situation remains fluid as crews prioritize evacuations, protecting vulnerable communities and preparing for potential dam spills and river breaches.
Reporting by Emma Pinedo and David Latona in Madrid, and Sérgio Gonçalves in Lisbon; editing by Sharon Singleton, Charlie Devereux and Nia Williams.
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