Storm Leonardo hits Spain and Portugal: Red alerts and school closures
The Iberian Peninsula is on high alert, with authorities in both Spain and Portugal declaring maximum readiness in preparation for Storm Leonardo, which threatens the region with severe weather. These warnings come amid fears of a repeat of the natural disasters that have recently struck the area, prompting local governments to take immediate preemptive measures to protect lives and property.
Spain: Red alert and complete school closures
In a move reflecting the seriousness of the situation, the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued its highest level of warning (red alert) for Wednesday, specifically for the Ronda and Grazalema regions in the southern Andalusia region. The agency warned of “exceptional risks” that could result from Storm Leonardo, citing a high probability of flash floods and landslides due to the expected heavy rainfall.
In response to these warnings, educational authorities announced the suspension of classes and the closure of all schools in the Andalusia region on Wednesday, with the exception of schools in the easternmost province of Almería. Juanma Moreno, the governor of Andalusia and the official in charge of emergency management under Spain's decentralized system, issued an urgent appeal to residents to exercise extreme caution and stay away from floodplains and low-lying areas.
Portugal: Snow, wind, and the aftermath of Storm Christine
Across the border, the situation appears no less dire in Portugal, where the Portuguese Meteorological Agency (IPMA) has issued an orange alert covering the entire coastline as the storm approaches from the Atlantic. The alert also includes northern and central regions, anticipating heavy snowfall, strong winds, and torrential rain expected to continue until next Saturday.
This new storm comes as Portugal is still reeling from a series of devastating storms, the most recent being Storm Christine, which struck the country last week, leaving five dead and nearly 400 injured, with the damage concentrated in the central region of Leiria. In an effort to address the situation, the Portuguese government has approved a massive €2.5 billion ($3 billion) reconstruction plan to repair infrastructure and power grids, which remain cut off to tens of thousands of homes.
Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events
Scientists and climate experts directly link the increasing intensity of these storms to climate change caused by human activity. Studies indicate that rising ocean and atmospheric temperatures contribute to longer, more frequent, and more destructive extreme weather events, such as storms and heat waves, compared to previous decades. The Mediterranean and Atlantic basins are particularly vulnerable to these changes, placing southern European countries at the forefront of escalating climate challenges.
The tragedy of Valencia casts a long shadow over the scene
The current warnings in Spain are gaining particular importance and media attention due to the recent and painful memory of October 2024. Spain experienced historic floods, the worst in decades, which claimed the lives of more than 230 people, mostly in the eastern region of Valencia. That disaster has made authorities and citizens more responsive to weather warnings, as everyone strives to avoid a repeat of the tragedy by strictly adhering to safety and civil defense instructions.
