Aftermath of Storm Christine on the grounds of a factory building in Marinha Grande, Portugal, January 28, 2026. Getty Images/AFP/Jérome PIN
As reported by BBC BBC
Storm Christine, which the Portuguese government called “an extreme weather event,” struck the central and northern regions of the country, bringing floods, landslides, and widespread destruction. According to preliminary data, at least five people have died, more than 850,000 have been left without electricity, and the number of incidents has surpassed three thousand nationwide.
Wind gusts peaked at 178 km/h, with the strongest winds hitting the Monte Real air base in Leiria, where monitoring equipment failed. It is believed that the storm made landfall there on the mainland. In the Leiria area, three people died: one was struck by a metal sheet, another was crushed in a building’s framework. There are also reports of deaths in Vila Franca de Xira and Marinha Grande. In Figueira da Foz, a Ferris wheel toppled, and a detached portion of the roof damaged several cars.
Transport and Coastal Warnings
The transportation system suffered serious disruptions: the main highway north from Lisbon and railway lines were blocked by debris and cordoned off. Ten coastal areas received red storm warnings due to dangerous sea conditions – waves could reach up to 14 meters.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said authorities were assessing the damage. Leiria’s mayor Gonçalo Lopes urged the government to declare a state of emergency in the region. After Portugal, Storm Christine moved to Spain, where it also led to the closure of schools, roads and railway lines. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without electricity.
“an extreme climate event”
– Government of Portugal
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