Authorities in Spain and Portugal implemented extensive safety measures on Wednesday as Storm Leo moved across the Iberian Peninsula.

The preparations followed the impact of Storm Kristin one week earlier, which had already strained regional infrastructure and emergency capacity.

Spain’s meteorological agency forecast that parts of the southern Sierra Grazalema could receive rainfall equal to an entire year’s average during the course of the storm.

Officials warned that the risk of flooding had intensified because the ground was still heavily saturated by the recent storm and by significant rainfall recorded last month.

Portugal also raised its emergency level. The national Civil Protection Service elevated its readiness to the highest tier, noting what its commander described as a “very complex” meteorological situation.

Impact on maritime transport

Maritime activity was directly affected.

An update from Maersk noted that the weather in the region has "deteriorated beyond initial expectations." As a result, terminals are expected to close for longer than anticipated.

The carrier added that "vessels will be leaving their berths for safety at the latest tonight, 3 February." Vessel delays are, therefore, expected in the next few days.

Reports mentioned that the ports of Gibraltar and Algeciras suspended operations due to severe wind and rain affecting southern Spain, with improvements expected by Friday, 6 February.

Transport disruptions extended inland as well.

In Portugal, vessels were skipping scheduled port calls, and rail services were interrupted.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.