Storm Leonardo batters Iberian peninsula and northern Africa

Severe weather alerts cover the Iberian peninsula as Storm Leonardo batters parts of Spain and Portugal with torrential rain and strong winds. The slow-moving system has brought widespread disruption, flooding and evacuations since Tuesday. In Grazalema, in southern Spain, more than 700mm of rain has fallen since Wednesday, roughly equivalent to the country’s average annual rainfall.

Across Andalucía about 3,500 people have been evacuated, and roads and schools are closed with transport networks disrupted. Spain’s state meteorological agency Aemet issued its highest red alert for heavy rainfall in Cádiz and parts of Málaga, where around 150mm fell in only 12 hours on Thursday.

In Málaga province a girl has been reported missing after being swept away by the Turvilla river, and emergency services continue search efforts. Portugal, still recovering from Storm Kristin which killed at least five people last week, has also been badly affected.

Spain, Portugal, Iberian peninsula; Andalucía; Cádiz; Málaga; Grazalema