As Portugal recovers from widespread devastation caused by Storm Kristin, authorities warn that a new severe storm system is expected to affect large portions of the country this week, significantly increasing the risk of renewed flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) expects the new storm, named Leonardo, to hit mainland Portugal from Tuesday until Saturday.
In the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, authorities are also monitoring the situation closely due to forecasts of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. In the Azores, particular attention is being given to low-lying coastal areas and zones prone to flash flooding, while in Madeira, officials are warning of the risk of landslides and localized flooding in steep and mountainous terrain.
Storm Kristin, which struck Portugal in late January, brought record-breaking winds and torrential rainfall, causing catastrophic damage across central and northern regions.
The storm is estimated to have caused economic losses of between €1.5 billion and €2 billion (approximately $1.6 – $2.1 billion USD), making it one of the most financially destructive weather events in recent Portuguese history.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has said that his government has approved a € 2.5 billion ($3.0 billion USD) package to help people and businesses in the effort to rebuild after the devastation caused by Storm Kristin.
Approximately 10 deaths have been attributed to the storm, six direct and four indirect, while hundreds of thousands of residents experienced power outages and widespread property damage.
According to national authorities, the regions at highest risk on mainland Portugal include Northern and Central Portugal, particularly the districts of Porto, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, Coimbra, Viseu, Leiria, and Castelo Branco, where soils remain saturated and river basins are already under pressure.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation because much of the country has not yet recovered from Storm Kristin,” said a spokesperson for Civil Protection. “River basins in the north and center are already stressed, and additional heavy rainfall could rapidly trigger flash floods and landslides.”
Authorities have also issued alerts for Alentejo and Algarve, especially in low-lying areas and locations near temporary watercourses, where intense rainfall could cause sudden flooding. Coastal regions nationwide are expected to experience strong winds and rough seas, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and maritime disruptions.
Emergency services remain on heightened alert across mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira, with reinforcement of response teams and activation of contingency plans. Municipalities in high-risk areas have been instructed to prepare for possible evacuations, road closures, power outages, and disruptions to essential services.
“The country is facing a sequence of extreme weather events that demand maximum vigilance,” Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said in a statement. “We are mobilizing all available resources across the mainland and the autonomous regions, but public cooperation is essential.”
“Preparedness and early action can save lives,” the Civil Protection spokesperson added. “This storm has the potential to cause serious disruption, especially in areas already impacted by Storm Kristin.”
Residents in all affected regions are urged to avoid flood-prone areas, secure property, and limit travel. Authorities emphasized that the situation remains severe and that further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
PAJ/Staff/This developing story will be updated
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