Authorities in both Spain and Portugal have declared a state of maximum alert in preparation for Storm Leonardo, which is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and heavy snow, posing an “exceptional risk” to the Iberian Peninsula. Widespread precautionary measures have been taken, including the closure of schools in large areas of southern Spain and raising the alert level in Portugal, particularly after the devastating effects of previous storms in recent weeks.
In Spain, the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued its highest level of alert, red alert , on Wednesday for the Ronda and Grazalema areas of the southern region of Andalusia. This level of alert indicates “exceptional risks” that could cause widespread flooding and serious landslides. In response, Juanma Moreno, the governor of Andalusia, urged residents to exercise extreme caution and follow safety instructions. As a precautionary measure, all schools in Andalusia, except in the province of Almería, were closed.
Historical context and increasing frequency of storms
These violent weather phenomena are no longer a rarity on the Iberian Peninsula. Over the past decade, the region has seen a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of Atlantic storms, such as Storm Gloria in January 2020, which caused widespread devastation along Spain's east coast, and Storm Leslie in 2018, one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in Portugal. Scientists attribute this escalation to climate change and the warming of the Atlantic Ocean, which provides more energy for these violent storms to form and makes them more destructive when they make landfall.
Portuguese preparedness and economic repercussions
In neighboring Portugal, the weather agency IPMA issued an orange alert along the entire coast as Storm Leonardo approached. The same alert was also activated in the northern and central regions in anticipation of heavy snowfall and strong winds. These preparations come as the country is still recovering from Storm Christine, which claimed five lives and left tens of thousands of homes without power. The Portuguese government has approved a €2.5 billion emergency reconstruction plan to address the extensive damage to infrastructure.
Expected impact and its relation to climate change
The anticipated impact of Storm Leonardo extends beyond direct material damage, encompassing disruptions to transportation, agriculture, and tourism. Experts emphasize that these extreme events are clear evidence of the effects of climate change. Phenomenons that once occurred only once every few decades are now becoming more frequent. Spain recently experienced a tragic example of this in the October 2024 floods that struck the Valencia region, killing over 230 people in what was described as the worst disaster in decades. Facing Storm Leonardo is not merely a temporary emergency; it serves as a reminder of the need to adapt to a new and harsher climate reality.
