Spain Battles Storms Leonardo and Marta: Flooding, ⁣Evacuations, and⁣ Ongoing Search Efforts

February 6, ⁣2026 – Spain⁤ is grappling with severe weather as Storm Leonardo continues to impact the southern regions,⁣ followed ⁢by concerns over the potential arrival of Storm ⁢marta. Widespread flooding has led to evacuations, infrastructure damage, and a continuing search for a missing woman in Malaga.

Current Situation: Storm Leonardo’s Impact

Storm Leonardo ‍has brought torrential rainfall to ⁤southern and eastern Spain, causing rivers to overflow‍ and widespread disruption. Thousands of residents in the Andalusia region have ‍been evacuated from⁤ their homes as a precautionary measure. In the town of Grazalema, Cadiz, floodwaters inundated buildings, causing structural damage and prompting engineers to assess the stability of foundations [[3]]. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding and debris, hindering travel and emergency response efforts.

Search and Rescue Operations

A significant search operation is ⁣underway for a 45-year-old woman ‍who was swept away by ⁤a swollen river in⁣ Malaga while attempting to rescue her dog. Authorities have deployed air and canine units to assist ⁤in the search [[1]]. The challenging conditions are hampering efforts, but teams remain committed to locating the missing woman.

Looking ahead: The Threat⁣ of Storm Marta

While rainfall from Storm ⁤Leonardo has eased, meteorologists are closely monitoring the growth of⁢ Storm Marta. Forecasters warn that Marta could bring further heavy rainfall to already saturated ground this weekend,increasing the risk of‍ renewed flooding [[1]]. Authorities are urging ‍residents in vulnerable areas to ⁣remain vigilant and follow official guidance.

Recent History ⁣of Severe Flooding in ⁣Spain

Spain has experienced increasingly frequent and intense episodes of severe flooding⁣ in recent ⁢years. In late 2025, ⁣devastating flash floods near Valencia resulted ⁣in at least 158 ⁤confirmed deaths and left dozens missing [[2]].That event saw more than a year’s worth of rainfall in just eight hours, highlighting the vulnerability of certain regions to extreme weather ⁢events. These incidents ⁢underscore the growing need for improved flood defenses and early warning systems.

Key Takeaways

• Storm Leonardo has caused‍ widespread flooding and ‍evacuations in southern Spain.
• A search is ongoing for a woman swept away by a river in Malaga.
• Storm Marta poses a renewed threat‍ of flooding this weekend.
• Spain has experienced a history of devastating floods in recent⁤ years, emphasizing the need for preparedness.