Storm Marta has brought heavy rain, strong winds and snow to parts of Spain and Portugal, flooding agricultural land and forcing more than 11,000 people to evacuate in Andalusia. Portugal estimates initial agricultural and forestry losses at around €750 million, while thousands of hectares of crops—including broccoli, carrots and cauliflowers—have been inundated. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and technical specialists to monitor river levels, ground tremors and landslide risks as conditions are expected to worsen.
Storm Marta Devastates Farms and Communities Across Spain and Portugal
The Roman bridge closed to pedestrians due to the increased flooding of the Guadalquivir River as it passes through it, during heavy rains, as storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Farmers and emergency services across the Iberian Peninsula warned on Saturday that Storm Marta's torrential rains and strong winds have submerged fields, damaged infrastructure and forced thousands from their homes as Spain and Portugal brace for further severe weather.
A flooded information panel of the Ansalusian government near the Roman bridge, during heavy rains, as Storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Widespread Flooding and Agricultural Damage
The storm follows a string of recent systems that brought heavy rain, thunder, snow and gales. Authorities say more than 11,000 people have been evacuated in Andalusia and nearly 170 roads in Spain have been closed. Rail services have also been disrupted in parts of Portugal.
A flooded building near the Roman bridge during heavy rains, as storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Portugal’s Agriculture Ministry gave an initial estimate on Friday of about €750 million ($890 million) in damage to agricultural and forestry sectors from the recent storms, a figure likely to rise as assessments continue. Farmers in Andalusia reported thousands of hectares under water and crops such as broccoli, carrots and cauliflowers ruined.
People watch the flooding of the Guadalquivir River as it passes under the Roman bridge, during heavy rains, as Storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Local Impact and Firsthand Accounts
Miguel Ángel Pérez, of the farmers’ organisation COAG in Cádiz province, told TVE: 'It is raining without stopping. Crops like broccoli, carrots and cauliflowers are under water. Thousands of hectares inundated. We have a real natural catastrophe.'
Pérez said affected growers expect to seek government assistance to recover this season’s losses.
People watch the flooding of the Guadalquivir River as it passes under the Roman bridge, during heavy rains, as Storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Safety Risks: Rivers, Landslides and Tremors
Waterlogging has increased the risk of landslides and other structural instability. Residents in towns of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range in Málaga — already hit by Storm Leonardo earlier in the week — reported days of ground tremors. Local councils in Cortes de la Frontera said on social media the tremors posed "no danger" for now, though specialists from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) have been deployed to monitor the area.
A man holds an umbrella in the colours of the Spanish flag as he watches the flooding of the Guadalquivir River as it passes under the Roman bridge, during heavy rains, as Storm Marta hits parts of Spain, in Cordoba, Spain, February 7, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca
Several neighbourhoods near the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba province were evacuated after a sharp rise in water levels. Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero warned the river was expected to reach its peak on Saturday or Sunday.
Response and Disruptions
Portuguese authorities have mobilised more than 26,500 rescue workers to respond to flooding and other storm impacts. In Portugal, heavy rains have also forced the postponement of a presidential vote in three towns until next week.
Spain’s state weather agency AEMET issued an orange warning — the second-highest level — for Storm Marta, forecasting more rain, snow in some higher areas and hazardous coastal conditions. La Liga postponed the top-flight match between Sevilla and Girona at the Andalusian club’s request due to the weather.
Outlook
Weather services say storms may intensify in the coming days. Authorities urged residents to follow local alerts, avoid flooded areas and heed evacuation orders where issued. Damage assessments are ongoing, and governments are preparing support measures for affected farmers and communities.
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