Introduction
Portugal is grappling with a mounting weather emergency as Storm Leonardo continues to batter the country and neighboring Spain, prompting the government to extend a state of emergency in dozens of municipalities. With rivers breaching their banks, extensive floods, evacuations, and at least one confirmed death, this storm has compounded recent devastation and forced authorities to mobilize unprecedented resources to protect lives and property.
What Has Happened So Far
Storm Leonardo struck the Iberian Peninsula with heavy rains, swollen rivers, and widespread flooding, affecting large swathes of Portugal, including areas still recovering from earlier storms. The Sado and Tagus rivers overflowed, submerging towns such as Alcácer do Sal with water levels reportedly reaching up to 2 meters in some areas.
Emergency services have responded to thousands of incidents, from flooded roads and fallen trees to landslides triggered by saturated soils.
State of Emergency Extended
In response to the severity of the situation, the Portuguese government extended the state of emergency across at least 69 municipalities. Officials have reallocated public resources, halted some non-essential public projects, and deployed teams focused on flood protection and recovery.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized the gravity of the crisis, calling for citizens to comply with safety advisories as emergency operations continue.
Across southern and central Portugal:
Alcácer do Sal — large sections of the town remain submerged as rivers burst their banks.
Leiria region — still grappling with prior storm damage, remains vulnerable to flooding and transport disruption.
Portalegre — intense rainfall and landslides have disrupted roads and threatened infrastructure.
Casualties and Evacuations
At least one man was killed in southern Portugal after being swept away by floodwaters. Thousands more have been evacuated, not only in Portugal but in southern Spain, where communities have been forced to flee homes due to rising water levels.
Weather Forecast & Future Risks
Authorities warn that another storm system — Storm Marta — is forming and could bring additional rain and wind to an already strained region, heightening the risk of further flooding.
Meteorological experts note that this series of extreme weather events follows closely on the heels of Storm Kristin, which caused severe damage and prompted emergency declarations just weeks earlier.
Government Response and Rescue Efforts
The national civil protection agency, ANEPC, has coordinated evacuations and flood warnings, with emergency crews and military personnel deployed nationwide to help affected communities.
Authorities have also issued travel alerts and warnings for residents and visitors alike, with transportation disruptions and road closures likely to persist as rivers remain at high levels.
Why This Matters
This ongoing weather crisis highlights growing concerns about climate change and extreme weather patterns in Europe. With multiple storms hitting in close succession, governments and residents are facing compounded challenges — from infrastructure damage to economic strain in affected regions.
Conclusion
As Portugal continues to battle the effects of Storm Leonardo, extended emergency measures, evacuations, and flood responses remain active across the country. With further storms predicted, national authorities are urging caution and compliance with civil protection guidelines to safeguard lives and property.
FAQs
Q: What is Storm Leonardo?
A: Storm Leonardo is a powerful weather system causing widespread heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding across the Iberian Peninsula, especially in Portugal and Spain.
Q: How many people have been evacuated?
A: Thousands of residents have been evacuated due to dangerous flooding, particularly in southern Spain and Portugal.
Q: Has the Portuguese government extended the state of emergency?
A: Yes — emergency powers have been extended for at least 69 municipalities to coordinate flood response and safety operations.
Q: Is another storm expected?
A: Meteorologists warn that Storm Marta may follow, bringing additional rainfall and weather risks to already affected regions.