Severe Storms Cause Major Disruptions Across Spain with Historic Rainfall and Damaging Winds
Spain faces historic flooding and wind damage as the Borrasca Leonardo storm triggers evacuations and infrastructure disruptions across multiple regions including Andalucía and Valencia.
- • Borrasca Leonardo causes historic rainfall exceeding 600 liters per square meter in Grazalema, Andalucía.
- • Nearly 4,000 people evacuated across Andalucía due to flooding risks.
- • Strong winds in Valencia uproot a large advertising totem, causing severe damage to parked cars.
- • Multiple road closures and public transport suspensions reported in affected regions.
Key details
Spain is grappling with severe weather conditions caused by Borrasca Leonardo as heavy rainfall and strong winds have battered multiple regions including Andalucía and Valencia on February 5, 2026. The storm has triggered emergency alerts, widespread evacuations, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions to daily life.
In Andalucía, the situation is especially critical with historic rainfall recorded in Grazalema, where precipitation has exceeded 600 liters per square meter. This extreme rainfall has led to flooding, prompting the Junta de Andalucía to issue Es-Alert warnings along the Guadalete River in Cádiz. Nearly 4,000 residents have been evacuated across Andalucía, including 1,987 from Grazalema and 234 in the province of Granada due to rising river levels. Emergency services have handled 159 calls related to wind damage in Murcia and multiple incidents including landslides and fallen trees are reported. Public transport has been heavily affected, with most train services suspended in the region.
Across the province of Ciudad Real, 10 roads remain closed due to water accumulation and debris, with 55 similar incidents reported region-wide. Flooding has also been reported in Huétor Tájar, adding to the emergency response challenges.
Meanwhile, in the Valencian region, a powerful windstorm caused a heavy advertising totem to be uprooted and fall in the Bonaire commercial area in Quart de Poblet. The giant totem, belonging to a major DIY company, toppled onto at least one parked car causing severe material damage. Additionally, the storm knocked down numerous trees, fences, streetlights, and traffic signals, causing further disruption.
Meteorological forecasts from AEMET predict continued rainfall with the possibility of further flooding events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions.
As Spain faces these severe winter storms, emergency officials are working tirelessly to mitigate damage and protect vulnerable populations while dealing with ongoing transport and infrastructure disruptions.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
