Storms Bring Fearsome Weather to Spain and Portugal as Death Toll from Previous Floods Mounts
Heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas are forecast for Spain and Portugal, just days after Storm Leonardo caused deadly floods that left at least two people dead and over 11,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes.
The Portuguese government mobilized over 26,500 rescuers on Saturday as Storm Marta approached, forcing three municipalities to postpone Sunday's presidential vote until next week due to severe weather. The storm brought widespread flooding, landslides, and displaced thousands in both countries.
Portugal issued a state of emergency after the country was hit by heavy rain that submerged roads, disrupted train services, and caused significant damage. Heavy rain is expected in Portugal, with waves reaching up to 13 meters high along the coastline. Eight districts on the mainland are also under orange alert due to severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Spain has placed much of its south region, particularly Andalusia and the northwest, on an orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms. The national meteorological agency Aemet warned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides.
Residents in Andalusia are facing significant challenges as new downpours added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread destruction. Many roads remain closed, and rail services are largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible.
The situation is dire, with officials describing the forecast as "extremely worrying". The region's president, Juan Manuel Moreno, warned of gusts of wind reaching 110 kilometers per hour, landslides, and flash floods. One municipal employee in southern Spain described how water broke into homes after storm surge flooded villages.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said that damage from Storm Leonardo exceeded four billion euros ($4.7bn). The country is still reeling from the effects of a previous storm, Kristin, which led to five deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Storm Marta has brought fears for more widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction as it continues its path through Spain and Portugal.
Heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas are forecast for Spain and Portugal, just days after Storm Leonardo caused deadly floods that left at least two people dead and over 11,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes.
The Portuguese government mobilized over 26,500 rescuers on Saturday as Storm Marta approached, forcing three municipalities to postpone Sunday's presidential vote until next week due to severe weather. The storm brought widespread flooding, landslides, and displaced thousands in both countries.
Portugal issued a state of emergency after the country was hit by heavy rain that submerged roads, disrupted train services, and caused significant damage. Heavy rain is expected in Portugal, with waves reaching up to 13 meters high along the coastline. Eight districts on the mainland are also under orange alert due to severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Spain has placed much of its south region, particularly Andalusia and the northwest, on an orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms. The national meteorological agency Aemet warned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides.
Residents in Andalusia are facing significant challenges as new downpours added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread destruction. Many roads remain closed, and rail services are largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible.
The situation is dire, with officials describing the forecast as "extremely worrying". The region's president, Juan Manuel Moreno, warned of gusts of wind reaching 110 kilometers per hour, landslides, and flash floods. One municipal employee in southern Spain described how water broke into homes after storm surge flooded villages.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said that damage from Storm Leonardo exceeded four billion euros ($4.7bn). The country is still reeling from the effects of a previous storm, Kristin, which led to five deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Storm Marta has brought fears for more widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction as it continues its path through Spain and Portugal.
I mean, come on guys... Storms are just part of nature. We can't control the weather, but we gotta be prepared, right? 
I'm not saying it's okay that some people lost their homes or whatever, but let's not jump to conclusions here. We're talking about humans and animals trying to survive in crazy conditions. It's like, what do you expect? 
And those two people who died from Storm Leonardo? Tragic, yeah, but it could've happened at any time anywhere. Let's focus on the present and help each other out instead of being all bitter about it 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone stays safe over in Spain and Portugal 
. The thought of all those people having to evacuate their homes is just heartbreaking 
. And with the rain, roads and trains getting flooded... it's like a nightmare come true 
. Can we please get some good weather for a while?! I'm tired of hearing about storms and floods on the news 
. The damage from Storm Leonardo was bad enough, but now this new storm is bringing more destruction 
. Let's hope everyone can ride out this one without too much harm 
.
my heart goes out to everyone affected by these floods & landslides already, what with storm leonardo being devastating last year 
at least they have a lot of rescuers on standby in portugal 
i feel so bad for the people living in spain & portugal right now 
& the fact that people have to postpone their vote because of the weather is just ridiculous 
. Like, can't they just have one calm day for once? 
Spain and Portugal are getting slammed with rain and wind, and I'm not surprised. Those Mediterranean climates are known for being all dramatic and stuff 
. And honestly, who needs 13 meters of waves along the coastline? 
That's just asking for trouble... or at least a really epic Instagram story 
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. It's like the whole world is one big stormy sea right now 
, you know?
. The authorities are doing their best but it's hard to keep up with the severity of the situation 
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The officials are describing it as "extremely worrying" and I don't blame them. It's like, the situation is dire 
. And to make matters worse, they're still dealing with the damage from Storm Leonardo which cost over €4 billion 
.
I feel so bad for the people affected by Storm Leonardo and now this new one. Four billion euros in damage is insane. We need to be thinking about those who are struggling right now. Can't we just send some aid and support?! 
how can we even begin to deal with this kind of destruction? 
I'm literally shaking thinking about it...
& spain's getting hit too, orly 11k people forced to evacuate tho 
.