New Storm Leonardo Threatens Portugal and Spain Following Storm Kristin

A new storm, named Leonardo, is poised to impact Portugal and Spain with potential flooding and damage from February 3 to February 7, 2026. This follows the devastation caused by Storm Kristin, which occurred just a week earlier, resulting in significant destruction to homes, factories, and critical infrastructure across the region. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued warnings regarding the expected conditions, which include persistent heavy rain and wind gusts reaching up to 75 km/h (47 mph) along the coast of central Portugal and 95 km/h in the highlands.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destructionStorm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destructionStorm Warnings for Portugal, Spain a Week After Kristin Destruction

Storm Kristin brought some of the strongest winds on record in Portugal, exceeding 200 km/h, and has been linked to six fatalities. The storm's impact has left nearly 115,000 households without electricity, with around 85,000 of those in the Leiria region. The aftermath of Kristin has raised concerns about the recovery process, which Prime Minister Luis Montenegro indicated could take years for affected factories, public infrastructure, roads, and railways.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction

As Storm Leonardo approaches, authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for flooding in areas already affected by Storm Kristin. Daniela Fraga, deputy commander of the national emergency and civil protection authority ANEPC, has warned that the heavy rain could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. In Spain, weather officials have issued alerts for severe flood risks, especially in the southern regions, where accumulated rainfall in the Grazalema mountains could exceed 200-250 mm within a 24-hour period. In response, the Andalusia region has suspended most classes and urged residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "It was a calamity that affected us… it has already rained a lot, it will continue to rain, and there are many losses." Meanwhile, the IPMA has cautioned that while the winds from Leonardo will be less intense than those from Kristin, the potential for flooding remains significant.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction

While the government has mobilized resources to address the aftermath of Storm Kristin and prepare for Leonardo, some critics argue that the response has been inadequate. Concerns have been raised about the preparedness of infrastructure to handle successive storms, particularly in light of climate change and its increasing impact on weather patterns in the Iberian Peninsula.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction

There is a consensus among sources regarding the timeline and expected impacts of Storm Leonardo. However, discrepancies exist regarding the exact rainfall amounts and wind speeds anticipated, as well as the specific areas most at risk. Further updates from meteorological authorities will be necessary to clarify these details.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction

As Storm Leonardo approaches, emergency services in both Portugal and Spain remain on high alert. The military emergency unit in Spain is on standby, and ongoing assessments of the damage from Storm Kristin will inform recovery efforts and preparations for the new storm.

Storm warnings for Portugal, Spain a week after Kristin destruction