Spain, Portugal brace for new storm after floods kill 2, displace 11,000

Authorities in Portugal are deploying more than 26,500 rescuers as Storm Marta approaches.Published On 7 Feb 2026Spain and Portugal are bracing for a new storm, just days after Storm Leonardo’s deadly floods killed at least two people — one in Portugal and one in Spain — and forced more than 11,000 residents to evacuate their homes.On Saturday, authorities in Portugal mobilised more than 26,500 rescuers as Storm Marta approached, forcing three municipalities to postpone Sunday’s presidential vote until next week due to severe weather.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Violence erupts in Valencia over gov’t flood responselist 2 of 3Photos: The devastation brought by Spain’s floods of the centurylist 3 of 3One man killed, girl missing as Storm Leonardo hits Portugal and Spainend of listBoth countries issued warnings of further flooding after previous heavy rains had submerged roads, disrupted train services, and displaced thousands. Portuguese forecasts warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas, with alerts active across the country.In Spain, much of the south, particularly Andalusia, and the northwest were placed on orange alert for heavy rain and violent storms, the national meteorological agency Aemet said.Other regions, including Castilla‑La Leon, Galicia, Murcia, and the Valencian Community, also received warnings. While rainfall was expected to be less “exceptional” than during Storm Leonardo, authorities cautioned that saturated ground increased the risk of flooding and landslides.New downpours in Andalusia added to earlier rain that had already caused widespread flooding, landslides, and forced more than 10,000 people from their homes.Many roads remained closed, and rail services were largely suspended, with officials urging residents to limit travel wherever possible.Mario Silvestre, commander at Portugal’s civil protection agency, described the forecast as “extremely worrying”.