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Storm Leonardo Triggers Evacuations and Red Alerts as ‘Atmospheric River’ Batters Andalusia

Saturated ground alongside reservoir releases forced closures with a military-led emergency response.

Overview

  • More than 3,000 residents were evacuated in Malaga, Cadiz and Jaén, with mobile alerts issued and shelters prepared.
  • Spain’s AEMET kept high-level warnings in place, forecasting 150–200 mm in 24 hours in hotspots like Serranía de Ronda and Grazalema, as gauges logged 100 mm-plus at several rivers.
  • Schools were shut across Andalusia except Almería, the regional plan moved to Operational Phase Two, and the UME deployed with aircraft and helicopters.
  • Overflowing rivers and controlled reservoir releases prompted road closures, port shutdowns in Cadiz and the Strait, and widespread Renfe train cancellations across the region.
  • Portugal raised civil protection to its highest posture and positioned troops with boats along major rivers as conditions were expected to worsen through the week.