The Andalusian government has activated Level 2 of Emergency due to the severe weather conditions expected from the upcoming Leo storm between Wednesday and Thursday across the autonomous community. The Spanish Meteorological Agency has issued multiple alerts for heavy rains, strong winds, and coastal phenomena, predicting areas like Grazalema in Cádiz and Ronda in Málaga to be hit hardest, with rainfall accumulations potentially exceeding 200 mm within 24 hours. In response to the high risk of intense rain and gusts of wind reaching between 70-80 km/h, Andalusian President Juanma Moreno announced the cancellation of in-person classes in schools and institutes for Wednesday, except in Almería province.
Key updates include the closure of the Alcalá del Río dam road in Sevilla, as residents prepare for possible flooding. Mijas town hall in Málaga has inspected local schools, reporting no major incidents, though minor leaks were noted at some facilities. The mayor of Ronda confirmed around 300 residents in rural areas are cut off due to the weather, although urban impacts have been manageable.
Renfe, the Spanish railway operator, has suspended many train services across the region, maintaining only the Media Distancia routes between Madrid-Jaén and Granada-Almería, as there are no alternative transport options due to road conditions.
In Huelva, approximately 200 residents from the Canela neighborhood had to evacuate as the Guadiana River is expected to rise due to the spill from the Alqueva-Pedregão dam system. Meanwhile, various rivers and reservoirs across Andalucía are under extreme risk of overflowing, with over 3,500 evacuations reported.
Locally in Cádiz, the situation remains precarious, with 14 rivers and ten reservoirs classified as “red” for extreme risk. The region has dealt with rising water levels, leading to several municipalities being cut off due to blocked or inundated roads.
Civil guard efforts, alongside emergency responders and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), have intensified as they deploy to affected areas such as Grazalema to assist with water removal. However, the overall outlook is challenging, as officials urge continued caution among residents, emphasizing that the risk is ongoing and not yet resolved, with heavy rain continuing through the weekend.
Overall, while the conditions are dire, prompt actions taken by local authorities and the community are ongoing to mitigate risks, ensuring that lives are prioritized during this tumultuous weather event. The cooperation and dedication exhibited by emergency services reflect a united front in facing the storm’s challenges.