Lorraine Williamson
A dangerous Atlantic storm is battering Spain today, with Andalucía taking the hardest hit as Storm Leonardo drives torrential rain, flood risk, and widespread disruption.
More than 3,000 people have been evacuated in Cádiz, Málaga, and Jaén, while schools across most of Andalucía remain shut as authorities brace for the day’s most intense rainfall.
Where the risk is highest
Spain’s weather agency AEMET has issued red warnings for exceptional danger in parts of the south, including Grazalema (Cádiz) and the Serranía de Ronda (Málaga), where totals could reach 150mm in 12 hours and exceed 200mm in 24 hours.
On the coast, conditions can look deceptively manageable at times — Marbella included — while inland river basins and mountain catchments take the heaviest rainfall. That is exactly why officials keep urging people not to judge the risk by what they can see outside their own window.
Travel disruption: roads and high-speed rail affected
The storm is already causing major transport problems.
Across Spain, dozens of roads have been closed due to flooding and storm impacts, with Andalucía among the worst affected.
On the rail network, high-speed services between Málaga and Antequera have been disrupted due to a landslide near Álora, with Adif mobilising crews to restore the line.
Civil Protection warning in force
Spain’s Civil Protection and Emergencies service has issued official alerts for intense, “extraordinarily persistent” rainfall, urging residents to follow updates via the national alert network and to check real-time travel information before moving.
Forecasts indicate the storm pattern could remain disruptive beyond today, with further rain and localised flooding risk extending into the coming days in parts of the country.
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