Storm Marta Leaves Two Dead, Thousands Displaced, and Billions in Damage Across Iberian Peninsula

Iberian Peninsula Grapples with Storm Marta's Aftermath

The Iberian Peninsula is assessing the extensive damage left by Storm Marta, which battered Portugal and Spain between February 6 and 8, 2026. The storm, characterized by torrential rain, heavy snow, and powerful winds, resulted in at least two direct fatalities, forced the displacement of thousands, and caused significant economic and agricultural devastation. Marta followed closely on the heels of Storms Leonardo and Kristin, marking a period of 'exceptionally violent' weather for the region.

Fatalities and Mass Evacuations Reported

The human toll of Storm Marta includes at least two confirmed deaths. In Portugal, a 46-year-old man drowned on February 8 in a river at Campo Maior, Portalegre District, while attempting a water rescue. Separately, a snowplow driver died in Spain's Ávila Province after his vehicle plunged approximately 20 meters (65 feet) down a slope amidst heavy snowfall. These incidents contribute to a broader death toll across the Iberian Peninsula, which has seen at least five fatalities from the succession of storms in recent weeks.

Mass evacuations were also necessary, particularly in Spain. More than 11,000 residents were forced to leave their homes in the Andalusia region due to severe flooding caused by the rising levels of the Guadalquivir River. In Portugal, authorities mobilized approximately 26,500 rescue workers to assist in flood-stricken areas and respond to landslides and other hazards. The severity of the weather even led to the postponement of a presidential vote in three Portuguese municipalities.

Widespread Infrastructure Damage and Disruptions

Storm Marta brought extreme weather conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and rainfall totals of up to 115 mm (4.5 inches) in 24 hours in some Portuguese regions. Along the Atlantic coast, waves surged to heights between 7 and 13 meters (23–43 feet). The relentless conditions led to widespread flooding and numerous landslides, severely impacting infrastructure across both nations.

Transportation networks faced significant disruptions. In Portugal, sections of the Northern and Douro rail lines were suspended, and many roads were rendered impassable by debris and inundation. Spain experienced similar issues, with nearly 170 roads closed, particularly in Andalusia, and rail services largely suspended. The Portuguese government extended a state of calamity until February 15 to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Catastrophic Agricultural Losses

The agricultural sector in both Portugal and Spain suffered immense losses. Portugal's Agriculture Ministry provided preliminary estimates of combined agricultural and forestry losses at approximately EUR 750 million (USD 890 million) due to the series of storms. Spanish farmers reported 'catastrophic damage' to crops, especially in Andalusia, where thousands of hectares of farmland were submerged. Crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots were particularly affected, with some farming organizations warning of potential billions in crop and livestock losses in Andalusia alone. The saturation of agricultural lands has raised fears of a potential continental supply chain crisis for winter produce.

Ongoing Recovery Amidst Successive Storms

Storm Marta was the third significant Atlantic storm to impact the Iberian Peninsula in less than two weeks, following Storms Leonardo and Kristin. This succession of severe weather events has strained emergency services and left a cumulative trail of destruction. Preliminary damage assessments for Portugal alone, encompassing the impact of all recent storms, have exceeded EUR 4 billion (USD 4.7 billion). Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro described 2026 as a 'particularly unusual year' marked by 'exceptionally violent' weather events, highlighting the challenging recovery period ahead.