Storm Leonardo Unleashes Devastating Floods Across Iberia and North Africa
Storm Leonardo continues to wreak havoc across Europe and northern Africa, with Spain and Portugal bearing the brunt of torrential rainfall and severe flooding. The slow-moving weather system has prompted Spain's state meteorological agency, Aemet, to issue its highest red alert for heavy rainfall in the provinces of Cádiz and parts of Málaga, where emergency services are battling widespread disruption.
Spain Grapples with Unprecedented Rainfall and Evacuations
In southern Spain, the town of Grazalema has recorded more than 700mm of rain since Wednesday, an amount roughly equivalent to the country's average annual precipitation. This deluge has led to the evacuation of approximately 3,500 people in the Andalucía region, with roads closed, schools shut down, and transport networks severely disrupted. In Málaga province, a tragic incident occurred as a girl was reported missing after being swept away by the Turvilla river, prompting ongoing search efforts by emergency responders.
The intensity of the rainfall is staggering, with around 150mm falling in just 12 hours on Thursday in the red alert zones. Authorities have warned that saturated soils and swollen rivers heighten the risk of further flooding and landslides, particularly in southern areas where the storm's impact is most acute.
Portugal Suffers Fresh Blows Amid Recovery Efforts
Portugal, still reeling from the aftermath of Storm Kristin which claimed at least five lives last week, faces renewed devastation from Leonardo. Fresh downpours have triggered flooding, landslides, and falling trees, forcing over 200 people to evacuate their homes. On Wednesday, another fatality was reported in the southern Alentejo region after a man's car was washed away by floodwaters, underscoring the deadly nature of the storm.
Forecasters predict that northern and central Portugal could receive an additional 150-250mm of rain by the end of the week, exacerbating the already critical situation. The storm is expected to linger near the north-west of the Iberian peninsula into early next week, bringing continued unsettled conditions and further challenges for recovery operations.
Morocco Confronts Mass Evacuations Due to Flash Floods
The effects of Storm Leonardo extend beyond Europe, with northern Morocco experiencing severe flash floods caused by overflowing rivers and reservoirs. More than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate, with the city of Ksar El-Kebir in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region among the worst-affected areas. The rapid onset of flooding has overwhelmed local infrastructure, highlighting the storm's far-reaching impact across continents.
Meteorological Factors Driving the Extreme Weather
The extreme rainfall associated with Storm Leonardo is being driven by an unusually southward-shifted jet stream, which has allowed the storm to intensify and stall over the region. Additionally, Leonardo has merged with an "atmospheric river" carrying tropical moisture from the Caribbean, continually replenishing the rainfall and sustaining the severe conditions. This combination of factors has created a perfect storm scenario, leading to unprecedented precipitation levels and widespread damage.
Tropical Storm Penha Adds to Global Weather Turmoil
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Penha developed from an area of low pressure over the Philippine Sea late on Tuesday and tracked westwards towards Mindanao. By Thursday, the system was producing wind gusts of up to 45mph before making landfall in Surigao del Sur. Storm surges of up to two metres are expected across coastal areas, with warnings for heavy rainfall issued farther inland, where 200-300mm of rain is anticipated within 24 hours.
Sustained winds of 38-55mph are forecast, increasing the risk of damage to buildings and vegetation. After landfall, Penha is expected to weaken as it moves across northern Mindanao and Negros island, before dissipating near Palawan island. This development underscores the global scale of severe weather events currently unfolding.
As Storm Leonardo persists, authorities across affected regions remain on high alert, coordinating evacuations and emergency responses to mitigate the storm's devastating effects. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena linked to climatic changes.
