The low-pressure system Leonardo continues to keep Andalusia in a tense meteorological situation. While the highest red alert remains limited to specific areas, the entire region remains under an orange weather warning until midnight, due to the ongoing risk of torrential rain, strong winds and flooding.
Spain Press Editorial Team
Spain’s Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) has warned that the episode remains particularly dangerous in the Strait of Cádiz, the Serranía de Ronda and several inland areas, where the ground is already fully saturated. In some locations, rainfall could reach up to 120 litres per square metre in just one hour, with totals of up to 150 litres within 24 hours.
More than 3,000 people evacuated
As a precaution against possible river overflows, more than 3,000 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas in the provinces of Cádiz, Málaga and Jaén. Regional authorities stress that these evacuations are preventive, aimed at avoiding critical situations during the most intense phase of the storm.
🔴🔴🔴 La Junta de Andalucía ordena el desalojo de las zonas inundables ante la alerta naranja por la borrasca Leonard.
CANAL SAN ROQUE & MULTIMEDIA RTVM
MÁS VÍDEOS Y NOTICIAS EN: https://t.co/a0tutsbLwehttps://t.co/F5VBXKssPV pic.twitter.com/CfoEMUho5Y— San Roque (@Ayto_SanRoque) February 3, 2026
🔴 La borrasca Leonardo se adentra en toda la Península: tormentas, rachas de viento muy fuertes y se activan avisos naranjas y amarillos
📺La actualidad del día con Isabel Jiménez > https://t.co/EJNfY5oRL8 pic.twitter.com/pCASvCjLwA
— Informativos Telecinco (@informativost5) February 2, 2026
Emergency alerts sent to mobile phones
On Tuesday evening, the Andalusian regional government issued ES-Alert civil protection messages directly to mobile phones in 48 municipalities, warning residents of the risk and urging them to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official guidance only.
Roads closed and ports shut
Storm Leonardo has already led to the closure of 26 roads due to flooding, landslides and fallen trees. In addition, the ports of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar have been temporarily closed because of dangerous sea conditions and strong winds.
More than 130 emergency incidents were handled on Tuesday alone, many related to urban flooding, infrastructure damage and preventive rescue operations.
Sierra Nevada also affected
The impact of the storm is now also being felt in the Sierra Nevada. Heavy precipitation, strong winds and reduced visibility have affected higher elevations. Some access roads were temporarily restricted, and outdoor activities at altitude are currently considered unsafe due to rapidly changing conditions.
Authorities have urged people to avoid non-essential travel to the mountain region, as weather and visibility conditions can change rapidly. Hiking trails and tourist activities at higher elevations are currently considered potentially dangerous.
Seguimos al pie del cañón día y noche en #SierraNevada La fuerza de #BorrascaLeonardo impide abrir hoy
🔸️Normalidad en la primera noche del temporal
🔸️Riesgo muy alto avalanchas
🔸️Extremen precaución, eviten desplazamientos y recorridos de montaña
ℹ️ https://t.co/TsiUDZoQb4 pic.twitter.com/wNBtT2TjFz— Sierra Nevada (@websierranevada) February 4, 2026
Historic rise in reservoir levels – largest increase since 1988
At the same time as the acute severe weather situation, Spain is recording a historic rise in its water reserves. According to the Ministry for Ecological Transition, water levels in Spain’s reservoirs increased by more than 4,500 cubic hectometres in just one week — the largest weekly rise ever recorded since measurements began in 1988.
This volume of water is equivalent to around 1.8 million Olympic swimming pools. Nationwide, the reservoirs are now approximately 67 percent full — nearly ten percentage points higher than a year ago and well above the average of the past ten years.
All 16 of Spain’s river basins recorded increases. The rise was particularly pronounced in the Cantabrian region, the Miño-Sil basin, and parts of Andalusia. Even the traditionally water-scarce Segura basin saw slight gains, though it remains the basin with the lowest reserves.
Controlled water releases and heightened alertness
To prepare for further rainfall, authorities in several regions have begun controlled releases of water from reservoirs. In Andalusia, this already affects more than 50 dams, with similar measures being implemented in other regions such as Madrid.
Meteorologists speak of a persistent “train of storms” that has been moving across the Iberian Peninsula for weeks. Soils in many areas are fully saturated, further increasing the risk of sudden flash floods.
An exceptional weather event
Experts agree: Leonardo is no ordinary winter storm. The combination of extreme rainfall, saturated soils, and already high water levels is forcing authorities to exercise the utmost caution.
The public is strongly urged to take the orange warning seriously. The situation could change rapidly at any moment.
In short: Leonardo is no ordinary winter storm. Andalusia is holding firm — but with extreme caution.
