Storm Kristin was a compact,catastrophic and record-breaking extratropical cyclone that severely impacted Portugal,as well as parts of the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe in late January 2026. Storm Kristin was the twenty-sixth storm of the 2025-26 European windstorm season,and the eleventh to be named by the south-western naming group,which consists of France,Spain,Portugal,Belgium,and Luxembourg. Kristin was named by the IPMA on 27 January,as a significant impact was forecasted. [7]
Kristin achieved record-breaking status by rapidly intensifying just before striking the Leiria district,becoming Portugal’s strongest on record. Kristin made landfall at peak intensity in the Leiria district,which resulted in extremely intense winds in multiple Portuguese districts. By exceeding the wind speeds of both Cyclone Xola in 2009 and Hurricane Leslie in 2018,the storm caused catastrophic damage. The extreme wind gusts of more than 200 km/h are attributed to a probable sting jet that developed as the system made landfall.[8] Before disappearing,Kristin also severely affected Spain and caused heavy precipitation in Italy and Greece.
Kristin especially affected the Portuguese districts of Leiria,Coimbra,and Santarém,but also affected other districts in Portugal such as Lisbon. After moving through Portugal,Kristin also affected Spain severely. As a result of Kristin,Portugal experienced its largest blackout in history. [9] Around 1,000,000 customers in Portugal were without power,according to E-Redes. [10] Approximately 170,000 customers experienced power outages in Andalusia. Almost 2,000 injuries were reported in Portugal,most of them got injured indirectly as a result of cleaning and reconstruction operations or misusage of generators. Furthermore,14 deaths were attributed to Kristin in Portugal,six direct and eight indirect. One death and 5 injuries were reported in Spain. Estimated monetary losses in Portugal are more than €6 billion,which is more than 1.6% of the country's GDP,making Kristin the most damaging storm on record for Portugal. Initial government estimates indicate losses of €1.2 billion in Spain,bringing the total amount of losses by Kristin to more than €7.2 billion,which makes Kristin the most damaging European windstorm since Lothar of 1999.
Kristin's successor,storm Leonardo,was responsible for causing major floodings in parts of Portugal,which exacerbated the impact of Kristin. [11]
Storm name
On 27 January,the IPMA used the name "Kristin" for the twenty-sixth storm of the 2025-26 European windstorm season and the eleventh storm to be named by the south-western naming group,as red warnings were issued for parts of Portugal. Kristin is a Scandinavian name and its meanings are "Christian" or "follower of Christ". [12][13]
Meteorological history
RGB imagery of storm Kristin at its peak on 28 January 2026 at 04:40 AM UTC/GMT.
At the end of January 2026,there was a persistent anticyclonic blocking between Greenland and Scandinavia,which resulted in the polar jet descending in latitude,resulting in a very favorable configuration for the strong development of low-pressure areas. Under influence of storm Joseph,also named Marilu by the FUB,a secondary low formed. This secondary low was named Kristin by the IPMA,as a significant impact was forecasted for parts of Portugal.
Enabled by very dynamic and favorable atmospheric conditions,Kristin rapidly intensified in the night before it made landfall. [14] During its explosive cyclogenesis,Kristin deepened to a minimum atmospheric pressure of 975 hPa. In the hours before Kristin made landfall in the Leiria district,the storm also developed a sting jet,which is a rare phenomenon that exclusively happens in extratropical cyclones with a warm core.[15]
Around 4:45 AM,Kristin made landfall as an extremely powerful storm,with gusts exceeding 200 km/h in some parts of the Leiria and Coimbra districts. In Soure,which is a municipality in the Coimbra district,a gust of 208.8 km/h has been measured,exceeding the previous record of 176.4 km/h by Leslie in 2018. Unofficially,a gust of 238 km/h has been measured in Lavos,which is also a parish in the Coimbra district. The Monte Real Air Base,which is located in the Leiria district,reported a gust of 178 km/h before the anemometer got damaged. The Leiria aerodrome measured a gust of 156.2 km/h,according to the IPMA. Lisbon measured a peak gust of 115 km/h.[16]Doppler weather radar imagery are indicative of wind speeds in excess of 60 m/s (>216 km/h) at a height of slightly above 600 meters at Kristin's peak intensity in the Leiria district. After making landfall,Kristin quickly moved over Portugal and weakened.
After moving through Portugal,Kristin caused strong winds and excessive precipitation in Spain. Gusts of 150.5 km/h were recorded in Benizalón,which is one of the strongest gusts ever recorded in Almería,alongside with gusts up to 131 km/h in Carboneras,118 km/h in Laujar de Andarax,116.3 km/h in the Calar Alto mountains,113.8 km/h in Albox,and 111 km/h in Garuccha.[17] A maximum gust of 108 km/h was measured in Cáceres.[18]Madrid experienced snow,which happens a couple times per year.[19]
Effect of climate change
According to a research conducted by Manning et al. (2018),the frequency of extreme windstorms increases with 25-35% as a result of climate change. The main cause is the increased contribution of storms that develop a sting jet as a result of the global warming. [20] Kristin had a sting jet,which was responsible for its intensity,according to the IPMA.[21] Global warming also alters large-scale atmospheric circulations,which contributes to environments being more favorable for rapid cyclogenesis and persistent cyclonic influences.[22]
Warnings and preparation
Portugal
The IPMA issued widespread red warnings on 27 January for the northern and central districts,as gusts up to 140 km/h and an extremely rough sea was forecasted. The IPMA also warned that the impact could be catastrophic. [23]
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority in Portugal elevated the country to Level 4 (Maximum State of Readiness) in the 24 hours prior to landfall,the highest possible tier of mobilisation. The sandbars in the northern zone were closed and the entrance to Viana de Castelo was restricted. [24] A warning SMS was sent to parts of the country on 27 January by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority. [25] The IPMA advised everyone to stay at home during Kristin,to keep their blinds closed,and to protect structures. [26] On 27 January,the Civil Protection agency of Torres Vedras ordered the closure of all schools and advised everyone to not leave home unless necessary. [27] Local authorities closed the access to the Sintra mountain range on 27 January due to Kristin. [28]
Spain
AEMET issued a rare red alert for the interior of Pontevedra (torrential rain >120mm) and parts of the southeast (Almanzora Valley/Almería) for hurricane-force gusts. Orange and yellow alerts covered the Spanish interior for gusts up to 100 km/h,while coastal regions braced for 8-meter waves along the Atlantic. Warnings were issued for the northern plateau (altitudes as low as 600m),threatening major transport arteries like the A-1 and A-6 motorways.[29]
Italy and Greece
The Italian Civil Protection issued orange alerts for Lazio,Sardinia,and Molise,citing high-speed winds and hydrogeological risks. Red alerts for avalanches were active in the Western Alps. Though the storm was named by IPMA,Greece issued an orange warning for Western Greece and the Aegean,forecasting intense thunderstorms and gale-force winds (9 Beaufort). Much of Southern Italy remained under a State of Emergency due to the compounded risk from the previous Storm Harry,which had already destabilized terrain in Niscemi,Sicily.[30]
Impact
Portugal
A ruined trampoline found in an undisclosed location after being blown awayDebris from after the initial disaster,clogging in a Leiria street
Kristin made landfall as an extremely powerful storm in the Leiria district in the night of 28 January 2026. In Portugal,Storm Kristin was officially recognized as a historic and catastrophic event,with wind gusts reaching an unprecedented 208.8 km/h in the Coimbra region and unofficially 238 km/h in the Leiria district,surpassing records held by Hurricane Leslie. The IPMA also measured a gust of 178 km/h at the Monte Real air base before the monitoring equipment got destroyed by the storm.[31] The storm claimed six lives directly across the country,with fatalities caused by falling trees,structural collapses,and an incident in the Algarve where a woman was swept away by a flooding stream. Another eight people died indirectly,as a result of recovery and cleaning operations,carbon monoxide poisoning by misusage of generators,or suicide in one case[32],bringing the total amount of deaths by Kristin to 14 in Portugal. One of the eight indirect deaths is an employee of E-Redes,who got electrocuted while repairing electrical structures in Leiria. [33] According to Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida,Kristin caused a very significant shock to the country's economy and the direct costs of Kristin exceeds €4 billion,which surpasses the €120 million of damage caused by Leslie in 2018. [34] At the peak of the storm,nearly one million people—approximately 10% of the population—were left without power,while the district of Leiria was described as "unrecognisable" following a direct hit that destroyed the municipal stadium and severely damaged the Monte Real air base,including parts of the F-16 fighter fleet.[35][36] Some parishes and municipalities,especially in the Leiria,Coimbra,and Santarém districts,lost all communication. It was estimated that 170 of the 180 companies in the Meirinhas parish lost their roof,as a result of storm Kristin.[3] 95% of all houses were damaged in the Meirinhas parish,where losses exceed €500 million. [37] The Leiria Hospital got overwhelmed by the amount of polytrauma patients in the first days after Kristin. [38]
Furthermore,Gonçalo Lopes,the mayor of Leiria,described Leiria as a "warzone," describing it will take more than a year to recover. According to him,churches lost roofs,sport halls lost roofs,many houses lost tiles,and houses and cars were completely destroyed. There were more than 100 injuries,as a direct result of Kristin.[4] The prime minister of Portugal,Luís Montenegro,admitted it will take many years before the Pombal area,which is an area in the heavily affected Leiria district,will be fully recovered.[3] Almost all homes in the municipality of Pombal suffered damage and the losses in Portugal are significantly higher than in the 2024 Portugal wildfires and the 2025 Portugal wildfires. [39] A large part of the Leiria National Forest got devastated by Kristin.[40] According to construction companies in Leiria,there is no capacity for recovery,and it will most likely take more than a year for things to go back to the way they were before. Also,factories and houses are completely destroyed according to them.[41] In Leiria,schools were closed for at least a week,as a result of Kristin.[42] In the vicinity of Soure,almost all electricity poles were knocked down by Kristin,alongside with several trees. Soure also experienced multiple floods,due to Kristin.[43] Between 4,000 and 4,500 homes–around 80% or 85% of the municipality's homes–are estimated to be damaged in Ferreira do Zêzere,according to the mayor there. The mayor of Ferreira do Zêzere also estimates that full recovery will take a year and that 70% of the forest cover has fallen. Also,a majority of the buildings there got damaged according to the municipal coordinator of Civil Protection. A former president of the Ferreira do Zêzere council said "It was terrible. But the tornado lasted five minutes. It passed,destroyed everything,and that was it. This was an hour and a half." Ferreira do Zêzere experienced major power and communication outages,due to Kristin.[44]
Around 90% of businesses in Marinha Grande reported damage after Kristin. Almost all trees at the Castle of Leiria were destroyed by Kristin,alongside with eighteen metres of wall that collapsed. [3][45] Right after Kristin,several families were isolated in Marinha Grande. [46] The municipality of Marinha Grande reported ten minor injuries and approximately 50 displaced people. [47] All churches in the Caranguejeira Pastoral Unit got severely damaged by Kristin. [48] According to the REN,61 very high voltage poles and 774 kilometres of REN's very high voltage lines were taken down,which were designed for maximum winds of 150 km/h. [49][50] The Aliança Christian Community Church in Leiria lost its roof. [51] Kristin scattered asbestos roof tiles across the public roads. [52] The municipality of Figueiródos Vinhos has 850 houses that suffered roof damage,as a result of Kristin. [3] The bus terminal of Leiria collapsed,which resulted in around 45 vehicles being damaged. [53] Kristin caused damage to cultural heritage in nearly 20 municipalities,such as the complete destruction of the Charolinha da Mata dos Sete Montes in Tomar and the loss of archaeological complexes at Forto Novo in Loulé.[54] According to the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal,the agricultural and forestry sections suffered losses of €775 million. [55] The Pedrógão Grande Volunteer Fire Department headquarters,which experienced severe structural damage and has been inoperable after Kristin,has suffered losses of around €720,000. [56] 16 other fire departments were damaged as well. [57] Several classrooms in a school in the Colmeais parish were flooded. [58] A small village of modular homes in Pero Negro got destroyed. [59] A kindergarten disappeared in Coucinheira and hundreds of houses lost their roofs in the municipality of Leiria. [60] 90 km of coastline got affected by Kristin. [61] By 4 February,over 27,000 claims were submitted to the three largest insurance companies in Portugal. [62]
25 people were displaced in Alvaiázere and 95% of all businesses and homes were affected there. Furthermore,the local health center in Alvaiázere had to close due to structural damage. [63] Kristin resulted in the 'worst infrastructure destruction ever,' according to information obtained by Expresso. [64] Thousands of kilometres of power lines were affected by Kristin. [65] In Ansião,an agricultural supply store was completely destroyed. [66] A local company in Vila de Rei was entirely destroyed as well,with estimated losses exceeding half a million euros. [67] Kristin shattered several windows in the Figueira da Foz District Hospital,which resulted in a temporary closure of offices and the operating theatre in the hospital. [68] More than 500 medium and large trees were felled at the Sanctuary of Fátima. [69] In the Leiria region,two companies of the TJ Moldes group got destroyed,which leaves Porsche in Germany without parts. [70] The Leiria City Council spent €12 million on cleaning and recovery work by 11 February,two weeks after Kristin. [71] Armando Ferreira,who is a victim of Kristin,directly compared Kristin to Cyclone Lothar,which is regarded as the most intense storm to have affected Europe during the 20th century. [72] In Leiria and Torres Vedras,greenhouses and crops were destroyed. [73] The La Redoute building in Leiria got severely damaged by Kristin. [74] Many jobs in Pombal are at risk due to the impact of Kristin. [75]
Almost all shop windows were destroyed in Leiria. In the Barosa industrial zone,many companies were partially or totally destroyed. At the entrance of Marinha Grande,a group of modular houses were blown away. The Sporting Clube Marinhense lost its pavillion. In the Boavista area,the Municipal Exhibition Pavilion,which also served as a market,is completely destroyed. Along the waterfront of Praia da Vieira,all restaurants have broken windows and there is damage to swimming pools and hotels. A caféin Vieira de Leiria got their windows shattered. [76] 185 church buildings in Portugal suffered significant damage. [77] The Diocese of Leiria-Fátima recorded damage to approximately 45% of its religious heritage. Churches,chapels,and parish centers suffered structural and artistic damage. [78] At least 150 schools got damaged in Leiria by Kristin. [79] The University of Coimbra reported damage to roofs,window frames,windows,and other glass structures. [80] There was a very significant devastation to Portuguese pig farming,especially in the Leiria region. [81] Multiple transmission towers were destroyed,which affected the ability of multiple radio stations to broadcast. [82] The São Tiago da Guarda Parish Social Center suffered significant damage. [83] According to the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria region,estimated monetary losses in the Leiria district exceed €1 billion,which is more than 13% of its GDP. [84]
According to Tiago Carrão,the mayor of Tomar,recovery will take weeks or months there. 40 medium-voltage units and more than 200 low-voltage units were downed in the municipality of Tomar. [85] The municipality of Miranda do Corvo was severely affected by Kristin,with estimated losses of €2,5 million. In Miranda do Corvo,between 400 and 500 houses suffered minor or moderate damage and between 10 and 20 houses suffered severe damage. [86] Pine forests and woodlands were destroyed in the Leiria and Coimbra districts. [87] The Santarém Tennis and Padel Club (CTPS) was destroyed by Kristin. [88] The Union of Parishes of Miragaia and Marteleira experienced significant damage,such as fallen trees,a collapsed wall,and land slides. [89] The studio of an artist suffered extensive damage in Leiria. [90] There are estimated losses of €30 million in the poultry sector,as Kristin led to an expected drop of 5% in egg production. [91] The Ti Augusta restaurant in Pousos experienced severe damage. [92] Kristin caused at least €14.5 million in damage to municipal equipment in Pombal,alongside with at least €80 million in damage to businesses and the displacement of 90 people. [93] Kristin caused €15 million in damage to municipal infrastructure in Nazaréand more than €5 million in damage to public property in Porto de Mós. [94] 80% of homes were affected by Kristin in Pedrógão Grande. [95] More than 90 of the 125 clubs in the Leiria Football Association suffered significant damage due to Kristin. [96] According to Bruno Gomes,the mayor of Ferreira do Zêzere,estimated losses will exceed €200 million in the municipality. [97] More than 250 libraries have suffered damage. [98] Kristin caused €106 million in damage to municipal equipment in Marinha Grande. [99] The total amount of damage in Marinha Grande exceeds €118 million according to a preliminary assessment. [100]
Around 4,000 companies reported estimated losses of approximately €1 billion in total. [101] Around 10,000 houses have had their roofs blown off in the municipality of Ourém. [102] 97 to 98% of the homes were affected by Kristin in the Caxarias parish. [103] According to Luís Albuquerque,the mayor of Ourém,it will take months or years for the municipality to return to normal. [104] 10 houses were severely damaged by a landslide in the parish of Alcobertas. [105] At the Hotel Cristal Vieira Praia,approximately €1 million in damage was caused by Kristin. [106] Estimated monetary losses in the municipality of Leiria exceed €792.8 million,which doesn't include costs related to municipal and state infrastructure and forestry. [107] Up to eight million trees fell in the municipality of Leiria due to Kristin. [108] A beach bar in Marinha Grande has been severely damage. [109] Schools in Leiria and Marinha Grande were destroyed by Kristin. [110] The entire forest cover of Marinha Grande is on the ground,as a result of Kristin. [111] Porto de Mós suffered an estimated damage of €8 million. [112] A beauty salon in the Caraxias parish has been destroyed. [113] Around 100 animals have been reported missing in the Leiria district after Kristin. [114] The Praia da Vieira kindergarten got severely damaged. [115] An olive oil and wine company suffered extensive damage in Ferreira do Zêzere. [116] Right after Kristin,800 of the 1000 kilometres of roads were obstructed in the municipality of Ourém. 113 people were displaced in Ourém. [117] A shelter for widows and orphans of the war in Ukraine collapsed in Ourém. [118] A warehouse in Vila Nova de Anços was destroyed by Kristin. [119]
A ferris wheel,which was able to withstand sustained wind speeds of 160 km/h,collapsed and multiple caravans were overturned in an amusement park in Figueira da Foz. [120] Estimated losses in the business sector of Figueira da Foz were several tens of millions of euros. [121] Municipal losses exceed €10 million in the municipality of Batalha. [122] A caféin Pedrogão Grande was destroyed,alongside with several roofs of houses. [123] Approximately 90% of the homes in the Arrabal parish were affected by water infiltration. A wooden house was swept away in Arrabal. [124] Kristin caused a significant amount of damage to public infrastructure and the agricultural sector in Oliveira da Hospital. [125] Several beehives were destroyed by Kristin in the Coimbrão parish. [126] The Sete Montes National Forest in Tomar got devastated and recovery of the forest could take decades. [127] The Mira de Aire cemetery got damaged by Kristin. [128] Losses in Abrantes exceed €10 million according to the Abrantes City Council. Kristin caused landslides and damage to many homes and roads in the municipality of Abrantes. [129] 55,000 m²of greenhouses and net shelters were destroyed at a floriculture company in the parish of Ortigosa. [130] The amount of damage by Kristin in the municipality of Tomar exceeds €5.4 million. [131] There is a preliminary estimate of up to €9 million in damage to the road network in Pombal. [132] The Leiria Polytechnic Institute suffered €6 million in damage,as extensive and widespread damage was reported. [133] The municipality of Pedrógão Grande reported damage to more than 800 houses and €12 million in damage to municipal property in a provisional assessment. By 24 February,Pedrógão Grande still doesn't have internet. [134] A gas leak was reported at a school in Calhas da Reinha. [135] People in the Rio Maior Health Center,which is located in the Lezíria do Tejo region,were evacuated due to a gas leak. [136] Approximately 400 hectares of vineyards were affected by Kristin in the municipality of Alenquer. [137] EDP,which is part of E-Redes,estimates losses of approximately €80 million,which includes damage to electricity grids and generation assets,as well as associated operational costs. Over six thousand kilometres of network were affected by Kristin. [138] In the coastal strip between Leiria and Figueira da Foz,more than two million cubic metres of pine wood needs to be removed. [139] Hundreds of thousands of hectares of forests were affected by Kristin. [140] Kristin caused more than €30 million in damage in the municipality of Sertã. [141] The roof of the former facilities of the International University of Figueira collapsed in Figueira da Foz. [142] 205,000 homes were damaged in Portugal by Kristin. [143] Kristin and its successors caused approximately €270 million in damage in Lisbon. [144] Insurance companies in Portugal received over 140,000 claims after Kristin. [145] Out of those more than 140,000 claims,more than 60,000 claims were filed in the Leiria district. [146] Many houses lost their roofs in Praia de Vieira. Several industries in the Vieira de Leiria Industrial Zone were affected severely by Kristin. One month after Kristin,many restaurants and shops were still closed in Vieira de Leiria because they suffered extensive damage. [147] More than 500 people in Portugal were displaced after Kristin. [148] In Praia de Vieira,a very heavy wooden beam flew more than 500 metres and crashed into a building. [149] More than 50% of the pine trees in the Leiria district got lost due to Kristin. [150] The municipality of Setúbal reported estimated losses of around €50 million after Kristin. [151] Between 2,500 and 3,000 poles have fallen or broken in Ferreira do Zêzere. [152] The wind blew away the roof and windows of the Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse in São Pedro de Moel. [153]
By 2 February,approximately 147,000 customers of E-Redes still experienced power outages. By 5 February,the amount of customers of E-Redes without power decreased to 86,000. [3] As of 11 February,two weeks after Kristin,39,000 clients of E-Redes still experience power outages,most of them being from the Leiria district. [154] By 13 February,only 45% of the people in the municipality of Vila de Rei have access to communications. [155] By the evening of 14 February,26,000 customers of E-Redes did not have electricity. [156] Three weeks after Kristin,Ferreira do Zêzere still has areas without power and communication. [157] By 14 February,there were still 10,000 households without power in the municipality of Leiria. [158] By 18 February,three weeks after Kristin,there were still 7,600 customers without power and almost 84,000 users without communication. [159] On 22 February,there are still more than 270 km of railway,which is approximately 10% of the Portuguese rail network,without trains running. [160] On February 22,there were still 1,800 customers of E-Redes without power. [161] By 26 February,E-Redes claimed that it restored power to nearly all customers in Portugal,aside from a few specific situations. [162]
Regardless of the claim of E-Redes,219 homes in the municipality of Leiria still did not have electricity by February 26. [163] By 27 February,the energy supply in Vieira de Leiria remains weak and communication keeps failing. [147] According to the Portuguese Federation of Pig Farmers Associations (FPAS),48 pig farms in the municipality of Leiria still didn't have power on 27 February. FPAS also claimed that thousands of families and hundreds of businesses still experience power outages. [164] One month after Kristin,around 53,200 customers remain without communication. Full recovery of the communication network will take another year to a year and a half,according to the president of the National Communications Authority. [165]
Spain
As the storm moved inland across Spain,it brought a rare and disruptive combination of hurricane-force winds and heavy snowfall. In the south,a woman was killed in Málaga by a falling palm tree,and the Almanzora Valley was placed under a red alert for extreme wind gusts. Central Spain faced significant travel chaos as over 170 roads were affected by snow;the A-6 motorway in Madrid was blocked,leaving dozens of drivers stranded. Additionally,the agricultural sector in Huelva and Almería suffered massive losses as torrential rains flooded greenhouses and high winds destroyed berry-producing tunnels. There were 170,000 power outages and 5 injuries reported in Andalusia. [166][167] Power outages were reported in several towns in Córdoba. [168] Gusts up to 99 km/h were reported in Seville,which led to a partial roof collapse of the Plaza Artena sports pavilion in Alcaládel Río and a partial roof collapse of a high school in Lebrija. [169] There were several fallen trees at the Lagunas de Ruidera. [170] A roof collapsed at the CEIP Javier Paulino school in La Solana. [171] Kristin caused significant damage to tunnel and greenhouse structures in Huelva,which affected the soft fruit sector. [172]
In Extremadura,the storm caused widespread wind- and rain-related incidents,prompting emergency coordination by the regional 112 Extremadura service. Between midnight and 18:00 on 28 January 112 handled 2,500 calls and 455 incidents directly linked to the storm;from 26 January (15:00) to 28 January (18:00),it managed 5,260 calls and 1,462 incidents,including 535 related to the weather alert. Telecommunications were affected,with reported line outages in several areas—especially the north of the province of Cáceres—as strong gusts damaged infrastructure.
In the city of Cáceres,municipal incidents included falling trees and branches,as well as detached roof elements and masonry;no injuries were reported locally. A large fallen tree damaged part of a perimeter wall at an educational site,alongside additional tree falls at multiple locations across the city. A wind gust of 108 km/h was reported in Cáceres during the event. Road transport was also disrupted across the region. In the province of Cáceres,seven roads and three rural tracks were reported with circulation problems (snow,river overflows,or waterlogged carriageways),and two trucks overturned on the A-66 due to strong winds. As a precaution,the regional government suspended morning classes across Extremadura on 28 January,citing forecasts of heavy rain,snow and strong gusts;snow warnings specifically covered northern areas of the province of Cáceres. Regional emergency and forest-fire crews (Infoex) were deployed to address material damage,including removal of loose roof tiles and clearing wind-blown objects,in multiple localities—several of them in the province of Cáceres—such as Grimaldo,Casares de Hurdes,Hinojal,Brozas,Valdesalor,Garciaz,Membrío,Bohonal de Ibor,and Garrovillas de Alconétar. According to Cotality,the estimated insured losses are between €40 million and €100 million for Spain. [173] Initial government assessments indicate losses of up to €1.2 billion in Spain. [174] Gusts of 102 km/h were reported in Jerez de la Frontera,which caused damage to 135 trees. [175]
Italy
In Italy,the arrival of Kristin compounded a pre-existing state of emergency in the south,following the damage already inflicted by Storm Harry that affected the country a week before Kristin. The Italian Civil Protection Department issued orange alerts for Lazio,Sardinia,and Molise due to the risk of landslides and torrential rain,particularly threatening the town of Niscemi,Sicily,where a massive 4km-long landslide remained active. In the north,the storm triggered high-level avalanche warnings in the Western Alps,while transport networks faced widespread delays,with rail protocols activated to allow for emergency rebookings as gale-force winds hit the Mediterranean coast.
Reactions
International
Pope Leo XIV expressed his condolences for those who have died and spiritual closeness to their families. He,reportedly,felt deeply close to the situation of the injured,the displaced,and all those who have been affected by the extensive damage caused by Kristin.[176]Ursula von der Leyen,the president of the European Commission,expressed her deepest solidarity on X. According to Ursula von der Leyen,the European Union stands ready to support Portugal's recovery.[177]Roberta Metsola,the president of the European Parliament,expressed solidarity with Portugal and thanked those who "are working tirelessly,day and night,to protect lives and restore services," alongside with sharing the grief of those who have lost loved ones.[178]Dan Jørgensen,the commissioner for Energy and Housing of the European Commission,visited one of the most affected areas by Kristin on 30 January and mentioned on X that Europe stands in full solidarity with Portugal.[179]
The Italian Embassy in Lisbon expressed their deepest solidarity with Portugal and its people. [180] The Irish Embassy in Lisbon also expressed its deepest solidarity with Portugal after the severe impact of Kristin. [181] The Israeli Ambassador of Portugal visited Marinha Grande to express solidarity with the victims and to deliver water and food,he also mentioned that the tragedy coincided with Tu BiShvat. [182] The Embassy of the Netherlands expressed its deepest solidarity with all those affected by Kristin and offered its heartfelt condolences to the victims. [183]Oana Țoiu,the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Romania,mentioned that she stands in full solidarity with Portugal and that Romania is ready to lend support to the Portuguese government in recovering from Kristin. [184] The president of Slovenia,Nataša Pirc Musar,announced that she is deeply saddened by the impact of Kristin,alongside with extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,expressing her deepest solidarity with all the affected communities,and conveying support to the Portuguese people and president. [185] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates offered its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to Portugal following Kristin and called the event a national tragedy. [186]Albania expressed full solidarity with the Government of Portugal and all those affected by the tragic loss and widespread damage caused by Kristin,alongside with mentioning that their thoughts are with the Portuguese people during this difficult time. [187] Irish teams from the ESB Group are helping to restore electricity in the Leiria region,as a reciprocation for the support of E-Redes in Ireland after storm Éowyn in 2025. [188] The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food visited farms in the municipalities of Leira and Pombal on 17 February. [189] The European Commission disbursed €14.9 billion to Portugal for the Recovery and Resilience Plan. [190] The Portuguese community in France sent over 100 tons of aid to the Leiria district after Kristin. [191]
Portugal
The government of Portugal announced on 28 January that they are permanently monitoring the impact of Kristin in Portugal and offered families of the victims its condolences.[192] Furthermore,a state of emergency was declared for 69 municipalities in response to the extraordinary impact of Kristin,which ended on 15 February. The Leiria City Council and the Institute for Child Support provided psychological support for residents experiencing mental health problems and anxiety as a result of Kristin.[193] Multiple Portuguese artists,such as Iolanda,Ana Lua Caiano,Ana Mariano,and Marisa Liz,came together in Lisbon on 11 February for a benefit concert to support the victims of storm Kristin,which raised €18,707 in total. [194][195] All tickets were sold out for the benefit concert in Lisbon. [196] Another charity concert was held at 13 February at the Virginia Theatre in Torres Novas. [197] The municipality of Oliveira do Bairro promoted a third solidarity concert on 19 February,by different artists,to raise money to rebuild the municipality. [198] The Portuguese Red Cross distributed around 10,000 tarpaulins to support families whose homes were damaged by Kristin. The Portuguese government announced a support package up to €2.5 billion. [199] The Leiria City Council cancelled the Leiria Fair of 2026 to focus on the reconstruction of the Leiria municipality. The Minister of Agriculture and the Sea JoséManuel Fernandes requested the activation of the crisis reserve for agriculture in a letter to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food,after estimated losses of around €500 million in the agricultural sector. [3] Hundreds of volunteers and military personnel were distributing food,clothing,and roof tiles in Leiria. [200]
By 15 February,there were estimated losses of €1 billion in the agricultural sector. [201] The army and the Intermunicipal Community of Central Alentejo went to support the Leiria region. [202] The Attorney General of the Republic visited Leiria on 10 February to inspect the former Rodrigues Lobo High School,the Palace of Justice,and the building housing the Leiria Administrative and Tax Court. [203] The Portuguese Nurses Association launched a national campaign in early February to collect goods to support people who were affected by Kristin. [204] The Valença Volunteer Firefighters were supporting the population in the Leiria municipality between 30 January and 3 February. [205] The Portuguese Volleyball Federation announced the creation of a support fund for affiliated clubs in the Leiria region affected by Kristin. [206]Maria Lúcia Amaral,the Minister of Home Affairs,has resigned on 10 February amid criticism from oppositional parties and local communities over the government's slow and failed responses to Kristin. [207] On 9 February,the population of Leiria came together for a remembrance. [208] The Leiria Diocesan Caritas distributed 30 tons of food and hygiene products to victims of Kristin. [209] The government of Portugal implemented an emergency housing program for populations affected by Kristin. [210] The Diocese of Angra donated €40,000 to support victims of Kristin. [211]
After Kristin,Ricardo Cardoso,who is a psychologist,published an e-book with the title "O Vento Barulhento" ("The Noisy Wind") for all school clusters in the Leiria district to help children with fear and post-traumatic stress after Kristin. [212] The Artmatriz Cultural Association and the Asteriscos association have created a solidarity playroom in the Leiria area,with the aim of supporting children and young people affected by Kristin. [213] The Confederação Nacional da Agricultura (CNA) expressed its full solidarity with the populations and farmers affected by Kristin. The CNA mentioned that farmers will suffer significant income losses in the months,and even years,after Kristin. [214] By 14 February,the Leiria Diocesan Caritas raised almost €1,6 million for victims of Kristin. [215] The Portugal national football team will play its final match for the 2026 World Cup at the Dr. Magalhães Pessoa Stadium,in solidarity with the clubs of the Leiria district. [216] The parish of Panoias de Cima will organize a solidarity festival on 21 February to support victims of Kristin. [217] The Sporting and UD Leiria junior teams were wearing shirts with "SOS Leiria" to request support for victims of Kristin. [218] According to Maria da Graça Carvalho,the environment minister of Portugal,Kristin was a hurricane and an unprecedented event for the nation. [219]
The football and futsal championships were cancelled until 6 March in Leiria. [220] Leiria's Municipal Recovery Plan will last until the end of 2029,according to the mayor. [221] The 2026 edition of the Marinha Grande City Festival has been cancelled due to the significant impact caused by Kristin. [222] An art auction has been organized to raise money for the municipality of Leiria. [223] The municipality of Marinha Grande is appealing for donations of construction materials,hygiene products,and food. [224]Luis Suárez and Gonçalo Inácio visited a fan in Marinha Grande whose house was destroyed by Kristin. [225] The All Star Club charity event,which is approved by the Portuguese Padel Federation,will be held on 22 February to support Portuguese clubs affected by Kristin. [226] The municipality of Barcelos granted support to the municipalities of Leiria and Pombal. [227] Kristin was described as "the biggest natural disaster in the contemporary in our country" by the president of the "Rebuilting the Central Region" mission structure. [228] The Portugal Transformation,Recovery and Resilience program has been announced by the Portuguese government as a national program,which will last until 2034,for the recovery of Portugal after Kristin and its successors and to make Portugal safer and more resilient. [229][230] A mobile crisis center has been implemented in the critical areas of the Leiria district. [231] The proceeds from the Portugal-Romania match will be donated to the municipalities of Leiria and Coimbra. [232]MEO,Vodafone and NOS will compensate customers who were affected by long-term communication outages after Kristin. [233] The municipality of Leiria spent over €13 million on the humanitarian response to Kristin. [234] The parish of Guarda donated over 6,000 roof tiles to the parish of Monte Redondo in Pombal. [235] More than 150 artists donated works for a solidarity fair on 28 February. [236] One month after Kristin,the distribution center in Marinha Grande still collects food,hygiene products,and household goods to distribute to people. [237]
↑"Mau tempo". Mediotejo. Retrieved 1 March 2026.{{cite web}}: Text "Um mês depois, Ferreira do Zêzere luta para se reerguer do caos e do trauma (c/áudio)" ignored (help)
↑"Expresso". Câmara de Leiria e Instituto de Apoio à Criança disponibilizam acompanhamento psicológico para habitantes em “grande fragilidade emocional". Retrieved 4 February 2026.
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