Storm Leonardo hits Andalucía: Thousands evacuated and rail services halted

Storm Leonardo continues to batter Andalucía, triggering mass evacuations, trapping residents in flooded areas and bringing much of the region’s rail network to a halt as emergency services respond to one of the most severe weather events of the winter.

The storm flooded southern Spain with torrential rainfall and strong winds, while the river levels rose rapidly. Authorities have activated the emergency protocols in several provinces to warn that conditions are dangerous and further disruption is possible.

Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued red weather alerts for parts of Cádiz, Málaga and Jaén, citing an extreme risk of flooding. In some places, rainfall exceeded 200 litres a square metre per 24 hours. This overwhelmed drainage systems and forced rivers to their banks.

Flooding threatens thousands of people, forcing them to evacuate

As a precautionary measure, approximately 3,500 people from high-risk areas, such as low-lying neighborhoods, floodplains and riverbanks have been evacuated. Local authorities confirmed that the evacuations continued throughout the night into the early hours of the morning as the water levels in various catchments rose rapidly.

Many incidents have involved people trapped in vehicles, homes and rural property.s After the roads became impassable. Civil protection, firefighting, and police units were deployed in the entire region. They were supported by Spain’s Military Emergency Unit which assisted with rescues and water pumps.

The municipal authorities have opened temporary shelters for displaced residents while they continue to monitor river levels.

Rail services are suspended in the entire region

Transport disruption has been widespread, with rail services across Andalucía largely suspended. Renfe (the state rail operator) and Adif (the infrastructure manager) confirmed that commuter, regional, and high-speed trains had been halted for safety reasons due to flooding and unstable track condition.

Several AVE high-speed routes within the region have been cancelled, including services between Málaga and Antequera following a landslip near Álora. Rail traffic on key corridors linking Córdoba, Seville and Málaga has also been affected, leaving only limited long-distance connections operating north of Córdoba.

There is no official timeline for the restoration of full service. Passengers are advised to not travel and seek updates via official channels.

Reports of road closures and power outages

The storm also has caused major disruptions to the road transport system. Dozens of roads across Andalucía have been closed due to flooding, fallen debris and surface damage, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Some communities remain hard to reach, complicating rescue operations.

Wind and water damage to electricity infrastructure has caused power outages in many municipalities. Utility companies and emergency services are working together to restore power, but repairs will depend on improved weather conditions.

Schools close as authorities urge caution

Andalucian Regional Government has ordered closures of schools and education centres in the most affected provinces. They have also suspended all teaching on-site as a precaution. The lessons were moved online wherever possible. Some public buildings, childcare centres, and administrative services not considered essential have been closed.

Officials have advised residents to avoid all but essential travel, stay clear of rivers and flood zones, and listen to the instructions provided by public broadcasters and official emergency alerts. Residents in areas at risk have been warned to be prepared for additional evacuation orders should conditions worsen.

More disruptions expected

Meteorologists warn Storm Leonardo will continue to influence weather patterns in southern Spain over the next few days. Although the intensity of rainfall may vary, the saturated ground means that there is a high risk of further flooding.

Emergency services remain on full alert as Andalucía braces for continued disruption, with authorities stressing that public cooperation will be essential to minimise risk and ensure safety while the storm persists.