Portugal on Alert Again as Second Severe Storm Moves In

Portugal is once again bracing for extreme weather as a powerful new storm system is set to hit the country only days after a deadly cyclone left destruction in its wake.

Meteorological authorities say Storm Leonardo is expected to reach mainland Portugal bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions. Forecasts indicate wind gusts could reach up to 95 kilometres per hour in mountainous regions, while prolonged rain raises the risk of flooding and landslides across multiple districts.

In response, the National Republican Guard has urged residents to prepare for possible disruptions by assembling emergency supplies sufficient for at least 72 hours. Officials recommend stocking drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, power banks, first-aid kits and keeping important documents protected from water damage. The message is clear: assume that power cuts, blocked roads and limited access to services are a realistic possibility.

Residents have also been advised to avoid unstable structures, weakened trees and fallen power lines, and to take extra care when using heating devices during cold conditions. Authorities specifically warned against using generators indoors due to the risk of toxic fumes — advice that often becomes relevant only after it’s ignored.

According to weather forecasters, the storm will first affect southern regions, including Baixo Alentejo and the Algarve, before spreading northward. The most intense phase is expected early Thursday, when rainfall totals and wind strength are predicted to peak. Several inland districts have already been placed under elevated weather alerts due to the risk of snowfall at higher elevations, while coastal areas face warnings over large northwest swells.

Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Coastal districts are under alert for waves reaching five to six metres, with occasional peaks of up to 11 metres. Maritime authorities have warned fishing vessels and recreational boaters to remain in port, as conditions could quickly become life-threatening.

The situation is even more severe in Portugal’s island territories. In the western Azores, the highest-level weather warning has been issued due to the risk of extreme winds and violent seas. Forecasts suggest gusts could exceed 110 kilometres per hour in some islands, while central and eastern parts of the archipelago are also facing hazardous conditions. Madeira is expected to experience significant sea turbulence later in the week, with wave heights potentially reaching 12 metres.

The arrival of Leonardo comes as Portugal is still recovering from Storm Kristin, which struck less than a week ago. That storm caused widespread damage, knocked out electricity for roughly a million people and claimed six lives. It also broke the country’s national wind speed record, underlining the unusual intensity of the recent weather pattern.

While authorities stress that each storm is different, they acknowledge that the rapid succession of extreme events is placing additional strain on emergency services and infrastructure. For now, officials are urging vigilance, preparation and a healthy respect for the Atlantic — which, once again, appears determined to make itself heard.