Portugal/Spain: Storm Leslie leaves 300,000 without power in Portugal Oct. 14 /update 3

Event

Post-Tropical Cyclone Leslie made landfall in Portugal late (local time) on Saturday, October 13, bringing high winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) and heavy rain to the country while leaving at least 27 people injured. Hundreds reportedly fled their homes due to the storm and more than 300,000 people were without power in Portugal as of the morning of Sunday, October 14. Among the areas most affected by the storm were Lisbon, Leiria, and Coimbra, where flooding and high winds damaged homes and cars and uprooted trees, obstructing roads.

Winds of up to 100 km/h (60 mph) were reported in central Spain on Sunday morning, downing trees and causing transportation disruptions. Flood warnings are in effect for northern and northwestern parts of the country through Sunday evening, with lingering high gusts and heavy rainfall forecast for northeastern Spain through the morning of Monday, October 15.

Consequent further transportation disruptions (including more flight delays and cancelations) and lingering power outages are to be expected in affected parts of Portugal and Spain over the coming hours and days.

Context

Tropical cyclones and hurricanes typically form off in the Atlantic Ocean from May through November, but rarely affect mainland Europe.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flash flooding, transportation delays, and lingering power outages, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.