Storm Leonardo Triggers Emergency Alerts and Widespread Disruptions Across Spain
Storm Leonardo prompts red alerts, evacuations, and school closures across Andalusia and other Spanish regions amid severe flooding threats.
- • All of Spain is under weather alerts due to Storm Leonardo with red warnings in Andalusia and Ceuta.
- • More than 3,000 residents have been evacuated in flood-prone areas of Cádiz, Jaén, and Málaga.
- • Classes are suspended throughout Andalusia except in Almería due to heavy rain and flood risks.
- • Significant flooding occurred in Granada's Valderrubio, and animal shelters opened in Mijas municipalities.
- • Severe weather will continue until Thursday with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow in northern mountains.
Key details
On February 4, 2026, Spain is grappling with severe weather conditions caused by Storm Leonardo, which has triggered extensive meteorological alerts and emergency measures across multiple regions, especially Andalusia. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued red warnings for intense and prolonged rainfall with potential flooding risks from February 4 through at least February 7.
The storm is causing heavy rainfall, particularly in Andalusia and Ceuta, with some areas such as Grazalema (Cádiz) and Ronda (Málaga) expecting precipitation exceeding 150 to 200 millimeters within 12 to 24 hours. Strong coastal winds are also forecasted in Galicia and the Balearic Islands. As a precaution, Andalusian regional authorities suspended classes across the region except in Almería.
Evacuations have been ordered for more than 3,000 people in flood-prone zones of Cádiz, Jaén, and Málaga to mitigate risks related to rising river levels. In Granada, Valderrubio faced significant flooding due to the overflow of the Barranco Hondo ravine, while various roads were closed as a result of the severe weather impact. Additionally, the racetrack in Mijas municipality has been designated as a refuge to shelter animals, including horses, from nearby areas under red alert.
The storm's impact extends to rising water levels; reservoirs in Andalusia are reported to be nearly full, exacerbating flood risks. The city of Sevilla experienced a full closure of the SE-20 highway due to flooding from the Miraflores stream.
AEMET also highlighted that the storm will bring snow at lower levels (around 1,500 meters in northern regions) and temperature fluctuations, with drops in the Balearic Islands and northeast peninsula, while some areas will see increases.
Though the situation is expected to ease somewhat by Thursday, with red alerts reduced, orange warnings for rain and wind remain in effect across several communities as authorities continue monitoring the evolving weather conditions and stressing adherence to Civil Protection recommendations.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
