Weather tracker: Spain and Portugal hit by third fatal storm
Spain and Portugal have been struck by Storm Marta, the third severe storm in recent days, resulting in at least two fatalities and extensive rainfall across the region.
Over the weekend, Spain and Portugal faced the impact of Storm Marta, which brought with it significant rainfall and tragic outcomes, including the deaths of two individuals. This storm follows closely on the heels of Storm Kristin and Storm Leonardo, which had earlier caused widespread flooding and led to the fatalities of at least six people combined. The calamity highlights an alarming trend of severe weather affecting the Iberian peninsula in a short span of time, indicating a potential escalation of climate-related events in the region.
Meteorological predictions suggest that the adverse weather will persist, with forecasts indicating further torrential rain across Spain, Portugal, and France throughout the week. Particularly at risk are the north-west parts of Portugal, where rainfall could exceed 100mm, potentially exacerbating existing flooding issues. As the storm system progresses, it is also expected to shift rainfall patterns to southern Italy and portions of Greece and Turkey later in the week, raising concerns about a broader impact on various Mediterranean regions.
Moreover, the report notes that severe weather conditions are not limited to the Iberian peninsula. Regions in South Africa and Lesotho are also expected to experience heavy rainfall, with specific provinces forecasted to see totals ranging between 80-100mm. This broad pattern of adverse weather across different areas underscores the growing challenges presented by climate change and the need for heightened preparedness and response measures to address natural disasters.