The Algarve remains under pressure as Storm Leonardo continues to hit the region with persistent rain, strong winds and rough seas, triggering more than 130 weather-related incidents in just 24 hours, according to Portugal’s civil protection authorities.
Between midday on Wednesday and midday this Thursday, the Algarve Regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection recorded 134 occurrences linked to the severe weather, ranging from urban flooding and fallen trees to road blockages, landslides and rescue operations in flood-hit areas.
The incidents were reported across almost all municipalities in the region, particularly in zones exposed to heavy rainfall and the rising levels of rivers and streams. Authorities said the majority of situations were resolved using local resources, through coordinated action by municipal civil protection services, fire brigades, security forces, maritime authorities and other emergency teams.
Flooding caused by surface water accumulation in towns and cities was among the most frequent problems, alongside the obstruction of drainage systems, fallen structural elements and localised landslides. Civil protection teams were also called out to assist residents in areas affected by flash flooding.
Emergency measures activated
In Monchique, the local council activated its Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan on Wednesday afternoon, bringing in a series of preventive and response measures. These included the conditioning of high-risk roads, the closure of schools and the suspension of school transport, increased monitoring of weather and river conditions and the pre-positioning of emergency teams and equipment.
Further east, the municipalities of Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António declared a municipal alert situation after a sharp rise in the flow of the Guadiana River. The increase is linked to ongoing water releases from upstream dams, combined with sustained rainfall across the river basin.
Authorities in these areas have stepped up surveillance in riverside zones, restricted and signposted flood-prone roads and placed emergency resources on standby in case assistance to local populations becomes necessary.
Meanwhile, Algarve emergency services have begun scaling back some of the support sent to the country’s Centre region, where recent storms caused extensive damage. A specialist pumping unit has returned to the region, while a high-capacity generator team remains deployed in Pombal, continuing to support recovery efforts.
According to forecasts from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), tough weather conditions are set to persist over the next 24 hours. Heavy rain may continue at times, accompanied by strong winds, rough seas and the risk of further rises in river levels.
Civil protection authorities are warning of continued risks, including flash flooding in urban areas, river overflow, unstable slopes, falling trees and road disruptions. The public is being urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded areas, adapt driving to road conditions and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
Emergency services across the Algarve remain on maximum alert, with officials saying further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.
