Spain and Portugal face Storm Leonardo as Marta approaches

Storm Leonardo has caused floods and evacuations in parts of Spain and Portugal, and meteorological services say a second storm, Marta, is expected to arrive on Saturday.

Storm Leonardo is affecting the Iberian Peninsula with heavy rain, rising rivers and local flooding across Spain and Portugal. Authorities in Andalusia reported about 7,000 people have been evacuated, including roughly 1,500 from the mountain village of Grazalema, and warned that aquifers and saturated ground raise risks. Officials said rivers such as the Guadalquivir and Portugal’s Sado have risen and inundated some areas, prompting alerts near the Tagus. Spain’s weather agency AEMET announced a new storm, Marta, is expected to arrive on Saturday and bring further rain and strong winds. Key facts: - Around 7,000 people were evacuated in Andalusia amid successive storms. - Regional officials warned aquifers are near capacity and the ground is saturated, increasing flood and landslide risk. - Rivers including the Guadalquivir and the Sado have risen and caused local inundation and alerts. - AEMET forecasts Storm Marta to bring additional rain and strong winds on Saturday. Summary: The storms have led to significant evacuations and raised flood alerts in southern Spain and parts of Portugal. Local authorities reported saturated ground and high aquifer levels, which contribute to continued risk. Meteorological services expect Storm Marta to bring more rain and strong winds on Saturday.