The ‘unprecedented’ Storm Leonardo has wrought havoc across Andalucia after merging with an atmospheric river from the Caribbean to drop a deluge on the region.
Some 3,500 people have been forced to evacuate their homes across Cadiz, Malaga, Jaen and Granada due to rapidly rising rivers, many of which have already burst their banks.
State weather agency Aemet had to upgrade the rainfall warning for the Strait of Gibraltar (Cadiz) to the maximum red level early on Wednesday, indicating an extraordinary risk to personal safety.
This was added to existing red alerts in Grazalema (Cadiz) and Ronda (Malaga), with the latter remaining in force until 11.59pm.
The whole of Andalucia remains under various weather alerts overnight and throughout Thursday, including for strong winds and rainfall. The accumulation of rainfall on already completely saturated ground means flood risks are at their maximum in many areas.
Grazalema: ‘Very worrying’ situation
In Grazalema, rainfall totals reached 315 litres per square metre in just 12 hours by mid-afternoon Wednesday, 151 litres of which fell in the previous six hours.
Regional minister Antonio Sanz described the situation as ‘very worrying’, warning that the ground is now so saturated it can no longer absorb any more water.
Residents have reported water emerging through tiles, walls and electrical sockets inside homes.
The Junta de Andalucía has deployed the Military Emergency Unit (UME) to the town and established an advanced command post to coordinate the response.
Rivers and reservoirs at critical levels
Andalucia, which suspended all school activity on Wednesday in every province except Almeria, currently has 14 rivers and 10 reservoirs under red alert due to an extreme risk of overflow.
Several rivers – including the Guadalhorce, Palmones and Guadalete – have already overflowed at various points in Malaga and Cadiz.
Rescues and isolation in Granada and Cadiz
The storm has also prompted emergency rescues in Granada, where several people were freed after becoming trapped in their vehicles.
In Benalua de las Villas, some residents have been unable to leave their homes. Health services have treated one person for multiple injuries so far.
Multiple rivers have burst their banks in Granada, causing flooding across the province. One dramatic video was filmed from above Huetor Tajar and Venta de Santa Barbara by the Guardia Civil.
In Chiclana, four people – two of them children – were rescued after being trapped for hours by the rising Iro River in the rural area of Las Mesas, near the CA-389 motocross circuit.
On alert in Huelva
Elsewhere, local police have sealed off access to the Muelle de la Riotinto in Huelva as a precautionary measure due to the high water levels of the Rio Odiel as it passes along the city’s seafront.
Huelva City Council said the decision was taken because of the sharp increase in the river’s flow, with authorities particularly concerned ahead of high tide, expected at around 5pm, which could lead to further overflow of rivers in the province.
The closure is the latest development in a highly complex day in the Andalusian capital, where emergency services remain on full alert. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has been deployed to several locations across Huelva province, and residents in the Peguerillas area have been evacuated as a safety measure.
Officials are urging the public to avoid restricted areas, stay away from riverbanks and follow instructions from emergency services as Storm Leonardo continues to affect the region.
Power cuts and road closures
Around 3,798 people are affected by power cuts across Andalucia, according to Spain’s central government delegate in the region, Pedro Fernandez.
Outages have been reported in 53 municipalities, with the Campo de Gibraltar among the worst hit areas.
Road conditions remain severe. Of 110 affected roads, 46 are completely closed, leaving towns such as Jimena de la Frontera, Torre Alhaquime and rural areas around Ronda effectively cut off, accessible only to emergency units including the UME.
Fernandez said the Spanish Army stands ready to reinforce the 300 UME personnel currently deployed in Andalucia if conditions worsen, including the rapid deployment of additional equipment and resources.
Rail services suspended
The storm has also brought much of Andalucia’s rail network to a halt. Renfe confirmed the suspension of most high-speed, long-distance, medium-distance and commuter services.
High-speed services between Cordoba–Seville and Cordoba–Málaga have been cancelled, with only the Madrid–Cordoba route guaranteed. Several Alvia services have also been suspended, including routes linking Algeciras–Malaga, Ronda–Antequera, Cadiz–Córdoba (towards Madrid) and Cadiz–Linares (towards Barcelona).
Authorities warn that conditions remain extremely complex, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow official guidance as Storm Leonardo continues to affect the region.
