Portugal & Spain: Storm Marta to Follow Brief Respite From Floods

A brief respite from torrential rainfall is expected Friday across Portugal and southern Spain, following days of significant flooding. However, meteorological agencies in both countries are already preparing for the arrival of a new low-pressure system, dubbed Marta, expected to bring further heavy precipitation and strong winds beginning Saturday.

Impact on the Iberian Peninsula

The recent extreme weather, stemming from the passage of a storm named Leonardo since Tuesday, has already had a devastating impact. At least one fatality has been confirmed in Portugal and a woman remains missing in southern Spain. The Iberian Peninsula is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing longer heat waves and more frequent, intense rainfall events.

Did You Know? The region of Andalusia in Spain has experienced particularly visible consequences from Storm Leonardo, including flooded rivers, inundated fields, and the evacuation of 8,000 people.

Government Response

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit affected areas Friday, where he is expected to address the public. The Spanish meteorological agency (Aemet) has lifted the orange alert for Andalusia, anticipating primarily wind conditions for the remainder of Friday.

Ongoing Concerns in Portugal

In Portugal, civil protection authorities reported no major incidents overnight. However, the Douro River has overflowed its banks in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, though without causing significant damage or casualties. Navigation on the Douro River has been restricted to emergency vessels. The situation regarding the Tagus River, which traverses central Portugal, remains under close observation, with 600 people having been evacuated.

Expert Insight: The repeated and intensifying weather events in Portugal and Spain highlight the growing economic and logistical challenges posed by climate change. Disruptions to transportation, like the suspended rail service, and the potential need to postpone civic duties, such as voting, demonstrate the broad impact of these events beyond immediate physical damage.

Disruptions and Preparations

Rail service remains disrupted in parts of Portugal, occurring just days before the second round of the presidential election, which is still expected to proceed as planned despite the challenges. However, voting has been postponed for one week in Alcácer do Sal, a southern municipality severely impacted by flooding. Portugal has experienced a series of intense weather episodes in recent weeks, including the recent storm Kristin, which resulted in five fatalities. January 2026 was the second rainiest January since 2000, according to the national meteorological agency (IPMA).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current weather situation in Portugal and Spain?

A brief period of calmer weather is expected Friday in Portugal and southern Spain after two days of heavy rainfall and flooding. However, a new depression, Marta, is forecast to arrive Saturday, bringing further rain and wind.

What impact has the recent weather had?

The storms have caused at least one death in Portugal and one person is missing in Spain. 8,000 people have been evacuated in Andalusia, Spain, and rivers have overflowed in both countries.

What is being done to prepare for the next storm?

Meteorological agencies in both Spain and Portugal have issued alerts for the arrival of depression Marta. Authorities are monitoring river levels and have restricted navigation on the Douro River in Portugal.

How will increasingly frequent extreme weather events impact long-term infrastructure planning in the Iberian Peninsula?