Six dead as powerful Storm Kristin batters Portugal with extreme winds

Six people were killed as Storm Kristin slammed into mainland Portugal with extremely strong winds, causing widespread destruction and leaving about one million people without electricity.

The storm entered the country through the Leiria region on Wednesday and moved inland. Deaths were reported in Leiria, Marinha Grande, Silves, and Vila Franca. Emergency officials logged more than 5,400 storm-related incidents by Wednesday night.

Storm damage was reported across eight districts. Homes were destroyed, roofs were torn off buildings, sports stadiums were damaged, planes were wrecked, a Ferris wheel collapsed, and rail service was suspended in several areas. Some residents were left homeless.

Record-breaking winds

Wind gusts reached a peak of 202 km/h (about 125 mph) in parts of central Portugal, including Coimbra, Figueira da Foz, Mira, and Cantanhede. That speed broke Portugal’s previous national wind record set during Storm Leslie in 2018.

At Monte Real Air Base, winds reached 178 km/h (110 mph), causing severe damage. Other areas saw gusts ranging from 90 to 150 km/h (55 to 93 mph). Based on wind speed, Kristin reached the strength of a Category 2 — and possibly Category 3 — hurricane, even though it was not a tropical storm.

The districts hardest hit included Lisbon, Leiria, Coimbra, Santarém, Setúbal, and Guarda, according to Portugal’s weather agency.

Severe damage in Leiria

Leiria was one of the worst-affected areas. Local officials said recovery could take up to a year, and damage assessments are still ongoing. Churches, sports facilities, homes, and vehicles suffered heavy damage, with many roofs completely destroyed.

Local authorities declared an alert status and called for national assistance, saying the scale of destruction resembled a major disaster.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro visited the national emergency headquarters on Wednesday and said the government is working with local officials to assess damage and speed up recovery efforts. A formal disaster declaration remains under consideration.

Rare and dangerous weather event

Portugal’s weather agency described Storm Kristin as a rare meteorological event, comparable only to major storms seen in 2009 and 2018. Officials said the storm intensified rapidly due to a phenomenon known as a “sting jet,” which can produce sudden bursts of extremely strong winds.

Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve as the storm moves toward Spain. However, dangerous ocean conditions remain in effect along Portugal’s west coast, and heavy rain is still expected in northern and central regions.

Snow is also forecast for higher elevations, including the Serra da Estrela mountains.

Despite improving conditions, authorities are urging continued caution as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.