Leonardo is the latest in a series of half a dozen storms to batter the Iberian Peninsula this year.

Rescuers search for a missing woman as Storm Leonardo brings torrential rains and flooding:: Sayalonga, Spain :::: San Enrique de Guadiaro, Spain:: Grazalema, SpainRESIDENT MARIA FERNANDEZ: “From beneath the ground,

Storm Leonardo delivered devastating rainfalls to the Iberian Peninsula, escalating flood warnings. This led to fatalities and damages, as Spain and Portugal wrestle with climate change-induced weather events.

Forecasters predict persistent, heavy rainfall and wind gusts reaching up to 75 km/h (47 mph) along the coast south of Cabo Mondego, and 95 km/h in higher elevations. This latest weather system follows a succession of intense storms that have battered thie region in recent months, bringing heavy rain, thunder, snow, and strong gales.

Storm Leonardo is bearing down on Portugal and Spain, with homes abandoned and weather alerts in force across the region.

Storm Leonardo wreaked havoc across the Iberian Peninsula, leading to a man's death in Portugal and a girl's disappearance in Spain. Thousands in Andalusia evacuated due to floods and landslides, while Portugal faced severe river swells.

LISBON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Portugal and Spain are bracing for a new storm that authorities warn could trigger floods and further devastation, as the Iberian Peninsula still struggles with the aftermath of Storm Kristin.