Spain/Portugal: Hurricane Leslie to make landfall on mainland October 13-14 /update 1

Event

Hurricane Leslie is expected to arrive on the Iberian Peninsula, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Portugal and Spain on Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14. As of 04:00 (local time) on Saturday, the storm moving to the north of Madeira Island and the Canary Islands and producing sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph), making it a Category 1 hurricane. Leslie is due to hit the peninsula near Lisbon on Saturday night before moving inland. Hurricane force winds of 119 km/h (74 mph) extend up to 95 km (60 mi) from the storm's center. Leslie is predicted to bring 2.5-7.5 cm (1-3 in) and up to 10 cm (4 in) to Portugal and Spain and cause dangerous surf conditions on the coasts. Flash flooding and wind damage is possible, along with transportation and electricity disruptions.

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 heavy rain, high surf, strong winds, and possible flash flooding, 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.