Storm Kristin Kills 5 in Portugal, Leaves Millions Without Power

Deadly Storm Kristin Ravages Portugal and Spain

Storm Kristin has left a trail of destruction across the Iberian Peninsula, claiming at least five lives in Portugal and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. The powerful storm made landfall on Portugal's west coast late Tuesday into Wednesday with wind gusts reaching a staggering 178 km/h (110 mph) at Monte Real Air Base before equipment failed.

Human Toll and Emergency Response

Among the victims is reportedly an 83-year-old Dutch woman whose body was found in a car that had been swept away by floodwaters near Silves in the Algarve region. The Portuguese government has declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit Leiria district, approximately 150 kilometers north of Lisbon, where three people lost their lives. A fifth victim died in Vila Franca de Xira when a tree fell on their vehicle.

'This is one of the most severe storms we've faced in recent years,' said Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who warned that severe conditions would continue. 'We are mobilizing all available resources to assist affected communities and restore essential services.'

Widespread Damage and Power Outages

The storm caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure, with fallen trees breaking power lines and leaving more than one million households without electricity at the peak of the crisis. As of Thursday morning, nearly half of those affected remained without power, particularly in central regions where repair crews faced challenging conditions.

Transportation networks were severely disrupted, with roads and railways blocked by debris. Long-distance passenger train services between Lisbon and Porto were suspended due to track damage, while coastal areas faced dangerous sea conditions with waves forecast to reach 14 meters.

Storm Moves Eastward to Spain

After battering Portugal, Storm Kristin moved eastward into Spain, where it caused similar disruption. Schools remained closed, and numerous roads and rail lines became impassable. Spanish authorities reported hundreds of thousands of people without electricity as the storm combined strong winds with snowfall across the country.

The storm is part of the 2025-26 European windstorm season, which has seen several severe weather events across the continent. Meteorological agencies from Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg collaborate in naming storms in the southwestern group when they prompt orange weather warnings.

Emergency services across Portugal recorded over 3,000 weather-related incidents in just 14 hours, with fallen trees being the most frequent problem. Material damage includes destroyed municipal football stadiums, collapsed Ferris wheels, and significant damage to aircraft at Coimbra aerodrome estimated at over €1 million.

As recovery efforts continue, authorities urge residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel while repair crews work to restore power and clear debris from affected areas.