Lorraine Williamson
Parts of southern Spain are heading into another high-impact spell of weather, with the sharpest risk concentrated in the mountains of Cádiz. The timing matters: this is today´s update, but the most dangerous window is expected tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 February.
AEMET has issued a red rain warning for Wednesday, 4 February in the Grazalema and Jimena de la Frontera area, citing the potential for around 140mm in 12 hours and more than 200mm in 24 hours. That is the agency’s highest warning level, reserved for exceptional risk.
The concern is not just the volume of rain. It is the pace of it, and the fact that recent systems have already left the ground saturated. In steep terrain, that combination can turn heavy rain into fast-moving runoff and flash flooding.
Where the highest risk sits
The red warning centres on the Sierra zone around Grazalema and the Campo de Gibraltar inland area around Jimena de la Frontera. AEMET’s warning period runs through Wednesday, with the heaviest rain expected during the day.
In parallel, AEMET warning maps show wider orange-level risk around Cádiz for rain and wind, plus the potential for coastal impacts around the Strait.
Civil Protection warns of flooding and landslides
Spain’s national Civil Protection service has issued an alert for intense and unusually persistent rain linked to Storm Leonardo, warning that large accumulations in mountain areas can cause significant downstream impacts. The advisory also flags the risk of landslides, strong winds and rough seas.
For Andalucía, that mix is especially relevant on the Atlantic and Mediterranean slopes, where water can collect quickly and travel far beyond the point where it falls.
Road impacts are already showing up
Even before the red-warning day arrives, disruption is already visible on the ground. The DGT’s flooding dashboard listed multiple road closures due to inundation early this morning, including several secondary routes in Cádiz province.
If you have to travel today or tomorrow, it is worth checking the live traffic map first. Conditions can change within minutes, particularly near river crossings, dips and rural lanes.
What people should do today, before Wednesday peaks
If you live in a flood-prone area or near a riverbed, today is the day to reduce risk rather than wait for conditions to worsen. Keep phones charged. Know the safest route out of your area. If you can, park vehicles on higher ground.
Most importantly, avoid taking chances on the road. Floodwater hides damage, depth and debris. Civil Protection’s guidance is consistent: reduce unnecessary travel during the worst conditions and follow official updates closely.
What happens next this week
Forecasting around these systems can shift, and the highest rainfall totals can move east or widen beyond the current red zone. The key watchpoint is whether AEMET extends red warnings to additional areas, or whether local authorities introduce targeted measures for schools, travel or flood-prone neighbourhoods.
If you are in Cádiz province, especially inland and near the Sierra, keep checking official alerts through Tuesday and Wednesday.
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