Urgent warning issued to Brits in Spain and Portugal | World | News
Chairs are seen floating on a flooded street in Alcacer do Sal, southern Portugal, during storm Leonardo on February 4, 2026. On February 4, 2026, the Iberian peninsula was preparing for a severe storm; Southern Spain closed schools, while Portugal was put on alert again after severe weather killed five people last week. (Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to British holidaymakers planning trips to two of the UK’s top destinations. As thousands of Britons prepare to travel during the half-term break, parts of Spain and Portugal have been placed on red alert by the relevant weather agencies due to hazardous weather conditions expected in the coming weeks.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red warning for heavy showers across Malaga Province on Wednesday, February 4th. Forecasts show that the amount of precipitation in inland areas may exceed 150 liters per square meter within 12 hours and 200 liters per square meter within 24 hours.
Yellow warnings for Malaga and other parts of western Spain have been extended until Thursday.
Schools across Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday as a safety precaution against extreme weather conditions. The red alert, meaning “extraordinary danger” in the Ronda region, will remain in effect all day from midnight.
AEMET warned that stormy conditions could continue until mid-February. The Foreign Office advised: “Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong coastal winds are expected across the country until Sunday 8 February, with an increased risk of flash floods, landslides and travel disruption. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor weather updates on the European Meteorological Services website.”
The State Department’s guidance to travelers warned: “When an incident occurs, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that incidents in locations remote from your location may still cause disruption for reasons such as loss of power, communications or transport services.”
“It may take time for airports to reopen and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. If access to the area becomes difficult due to damage to transportation infrastructure or flooding, it may be difficult to receive help from humanitarian workers.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) ability to assist British nationals may be limited (perhaps severely) limited in these circumstances. We cannot ensure your safety and security in another country. The relevant authorities in your home country or territory are responsible for your safety and security.”
Storm Leonardo, the sixth major low pressure system to hit in 2026, is set to hit Andalusia once again, with Malaga in its direct path. AEMET raised the province’s rain warning to red in its latest bulletin.
Weather forecasters at Meteored warned: “In the early hours of next morning, very heavy rain will begin in the west and far south of Andalusia. It will continue throughout the morning and spread to the rest of the southern community. In the afternoon the heaviest rains will occur in the eastern region from the Bosphorus to Almeria, with a strong sea storm from the west.”
Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has issued an orange warning for Malaga, Costa del Sol, the Guadalhorce region and Axarquia, predicting rainfall accumulation of between 90 and 100 liters in 12 hours. The institution warned, “In the western half of the region, accumulations exceeding 150 liters can be reached in 24 hours. In the remaining part, accumulation of 40 liters is expected in 12 hours.”
AEMET also issued a Red Alert, the most severe alert level, for showers in Cádiz and parts of Málaga province on Wednesday, February 4. The advisory predicts 150 mm of rainfall in 12 hours and 200 mm in 24 hours in some inland areas.
In response to the threat of extreme weather, all educational institutions in Andalusia will remain closed on Wednesday. Additionally, numerous amber alerts and yellow alerts have been activated as areas prepare for attack.
Meteorologists have confirmed that Storm Leonardo will occur this week as Portugal and Spain brace for more rainfall. After several weeks of wet and occasionally windy weather, Storm Leonardo is forecast to bring additional rain to the Iberian Peninsula, with heavy downpours particularly expected across Andalusia, weather experts have warned.
