Lorraine Williamson
A late-afternoon Storm Leonardo update in Spain confirms that evacuations and flood alerts remain in force across parts of Andalucía. Emergency services are still monitoring rivers and saturated ground after days of intense rainfall.
Although conditions have stabilised in some areas, authorities say the situation remains fragile. Thousands of residents have been displaced across the region, and further rain forecast for the weekend means caution is still being urged.
Evacuations remain in place
In Cádiz province, residents of Grazalema who were evacuated earlier in the week remain temporarily relocated to nearby Ronda as a precaution against flooding and terrain instability. Officials say safety checks must be completed before any return home can be considered.
In Córdoba province, evacuations around the Guadalquivir river also continue in areas at risk of flooding. Emergency alerts were issued to residents in vulnerable zones, warning them to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying land.
Authorities say aquifers and ground conditions remain heavily saturated, increasing the likelihood of sudden flooding even if rainfall eases.
Disruption and precautions still in effect
Several roads across Andalucía remain affected by flooding or debris, and emergency teams continue to monitor reservoirs and river levels. Schools reopened in most areas on Friday, though some centres in the hardest-hit zones remain closed or inaccessible.
Officials are urging residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow civil protection guidance as conditions evolve.
Another storm expected this weekend
Spanish forecasts indicate that Storm Marta is expected to bring another round of wind, coastal disruption and rain into parts of Spain (including Andalucía) from Saturday, which is why authorities are keeping precautions and some evacuations in place even as Leonardo eases.
Weather warnings for Saturday are expected to focus on wind, coastal conditions and additional rainfall in parts of southern Spain.
Situation still evolving
Emergency services across Andalucía remain deployed as conditions continue to change. While the most intense rainfall from Storm Leonardo has begun to ease in some locations, officials warn that the risk has not passed.
Residents in affected areas are being asked to stay informed through official channels and remain cautious until river levels and ground stability return to normal.
Sources: El Confidencial, Huffington Post, Europa Press, AEMET