Weather tracker: Spain and Portugal hit by third fatal storm

Spain and Portugal are experiencing a series of severe storms. Storm Marta hit the Iberian Peninsula over the weekend, causing two fatalities, following deadly flooding from Storm Kristin and Storm Leonardo in late January. More rain is expected across Spain, Portugal, and France this week, with potential for heavy rainfall in southern Italy, Greece, and Turkey later in the week. South Africa and Lesotho are also bracing for heavy rainfall, with warnings issued for severe thunderstorms and potential flooding affecting millions. Meanwhile, Japan and Korea experienced below-average temperatures and snowfall, with Tokyo seeing temperatures almost 10°C below average, although temperatures are expected to rise later in the week.

Recent storms, including Storm Marta, have caused widespread flooding across Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalucia. Aerial footage reveals the extent of the damage, showing submerged olive groves in Córdoba and other affected areas. Over 11,000 people have been displaced in Andalucia due to the severe weather. Spanish farmers are reporting millions of euros in crop damage as a result of the torrential rains and high winds. The storms follow on the heels of Storm Leonardo, further exacerbating the situation in the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain and Portugal are preparing for Storm Marta, just days after deadly flooding from Storm Leonardo. Over 26,500 rescuers have been deployed in Portugal, where three municipalities postponed the presidential vote. Both countries have issued warnings for potential new floods, following widespread disruptions including road closures, train delays, and the evacuation of thousands. Southern Spain, particularly Andalusia, and the northwest are under orange alert for heavy rain and storms. While the rainfall is expected to be less severe than Leonardo, the region is still recovering from mass flooding, landslides, and previous evacuations.

Spain and Portugal are preparing for Storm Marta in February 2026, following deadly floods from Storm Leonardo that killed two and displaced over 11,000. Portugal mobilized over 26,500 rescuers and postponed presidential elections in three municipalities due to the impending severe weather. Both countries issued warnings for further flooding, with saturated ground increasing the risk of landslides. Spain placed southern and northwestern regions on orange alert for heavy rain and storms, while other regions also received warnings. Travel is limited due to road closures and suspended rail services.

Storm Leonardo has caused significant disruption in Portugal and Spain, with heavy rains and strong winds battering parts of both countries. At least one death has been reported, while a young girl is missing in southern Spain's Andalucía region. Over 7,000 people have been evacuated from their homes due to flooding, particularly in the mountain village of Grazalema. The Portuguese government has extended the state of calamity in 69 municipalities until mid-February, and geologists are assessing the situation to determine when residents can return home. Spain's prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, is set to visit the hardest-hit areas later on Friday. Heavy rains have also affected the olive harvest, with losses estimated at €200m (£174m) so far.

Storm Leonardo has caused a fatality in Portugal and a missing person in Spain as it brought torrential rain and strong winds to the Iberian Peninsula on February 5, 2026. A 70-year-old man died in Alentejo, Portugal, after his car was swept away by floodwaters. In Malaga, Spain, a girl is missing after being swept away by the Turvilla River. Leonardo is the latest in a series of storms to impact the region this year, causing fatalities, infrastructure damage, and power outages. Another storm, Marta, is expected to arrive this weekend, and reconstruction costs from previous storms are estimated to be in the billions of euros.