KEY POINTS
- Violent Atlantic storms caused major flooding and at least 14 deaths in Portugal.
- Spain evacuated thousands of residents as torrential rains triggered river overflows in the south.
- Record-breaking Arctic cold and heavy snow disrupted transport and power across Northern Europe.
A massive wave of extreme weather is currently moving across the European continent. Powerful Atlantic storms are battering southern nations with heavy rain and wind. Meanwhile, an intense Arctic cold front has frozen parts of central and northern Europe. The combined weather events have caused dozens of deaths and thousands of displacements.
Portugal is facing some of the most severe conditions in recent weeks. Two major storm systems, named Kristin and Leonardo, struck the country in quick succession. These storms triggered widespread landslides and devastating floods in central regions. Officials confirm that at least 14 people lost their lives during the events.
The Portuguese government responded by announcing a significant financial aid package. They allocated 2.5 billion euros to help families and local businesses recover. The funds will also help repair damaged infrastructure and restore power to affected towns. Meteorologists blame a weak high-pressure system for allowing these storms to hit so hard.
Spain is also struggling with the impact of storm Leonardo. Authorities forced the evacuation of up to 5,000 people in southern regions. Rivers in Andalusia and Extremadura broke their banks, flooding streets and homes. Most rail services in these areas are currently suspended due to safety concerns.
While the south floods, the north is dealing with dangerous ice and snow. Germany reported a surge in traffic accidents on slick motorways near Berlin. One elderly woman died in a collision caused by the freezing conditions. Several schools in the northwest remain closed as public transport systems fail.
Romania is currently under red warnings for extreme cold and freezing rain. Temperatures dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius in several areas. Heavy snow cover has made travel nearly impossible on many local roads. Residents are bracing for more snowfall as the winter front persists.
The Baltic states are experiencing their coldest winter in over a decade. Latvia recorded a staggering temperature of minus 32 degrees Celsius this weekend. In Estonia, thick ice has halted vital ferry services to local islands. People now rely on hovercraft to deliver food and medicine to isolated communities.
Scientists point to a disrupted polar vortex as the cause of this chaos. A warming event in the stratosphere pushed frigid air south into mid-latitude regions. This instability allows Arctic air to spill into Europe and North America simultaneously. Experts warn that these extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent.
