At least five people have lost their lives after Storm Kristin swept across central and northern Portugal, bringing violent winds, torrential rain, and widespread destruction.
The Portuguese government described the storm as an “extreme climatic event”, as emergency services struggled to respond to thousands of incidents across the country.
Destruction Across Cities and Coastlines
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in Figueira da Foz, where a Ferris wheel collapsed after powerful winds tore part of a roof from a nearby building. Several vehicles were damaged in the incident.
Wind gusts exceeded 150 km/h, while the strongest recorded gusts reached 178 km/h at the Monte Real air base in Leiria, before weather instruments were destroyed. Authorities believe this was the point where the storm made landfall.
Fatalities and Emergency Response
Portugal’s Civil Protection Agency (ANEPC) confirmed that three of the deaths occurred in the Leiria district, one of the hardest-hit regions.
One victim was struck by flying debris
Another was trapped inside a damaged building
A man in Vila Franca de Xira died after a tree fell onto his vehicle
Another fatality was reported in Marinha Grande
In total, more than 3,000 weather-related incidents were reported nationwide.
Power Outages and Transport Disruption
More than 850,000 people were left without electricity, according to power distributor E-Redes.
Major roads and railway lines — including routes connecting Lisbon to northern Portugal — were blocked by fallen trees and debris.
Red Weather Alerts Issued
Ten coastal districts were placed under a red weather warning, with waves forecast to reach 14 meters (45 feet), according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Authorities urged residents in Coimbra and Leiria to remain indoors as the country remained on maximum alert.
Government Reaction
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed condolences to the families of the victims and stated that authorities would take “all necessary measures” to assess the damage and support affected communities.
Leiria’s mayor Gonçalo Lopes called for a state of emergency, saying:
“The destruction is comparable to the impact of a bomb. The recovery will take months.”
Storm Moves Toward Spain
After devastating Portugal, Storm Kristin continued eastward into Spain, bringing heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds to several regions.
