Canada shares serious Spain and Portugal travel advisory update

Canadians planning to travel to Portugal or Spain are being warned of a potentially serious safety risk in the region.

Tourists in Portugal and Spain are urged to be cautious when travelling to affected areas due to Storm Leonardo. In its travel advisory for Portugal, the Government of Canada states that the storm is expected to bring heavy rains, snow, strong winds, and dangerous coastal waves. The impact will likely be felt in most of continental Portugal until at least Wednesday, but a state of emergency is in effect until Sunday.

Central and coastal areas could see wind gusts of 75 km/h, while areas with higher elevations could see gusts of up to 95 km/h, according to The Portugal News.

Euronews reports that the National Republican Guard is urging people in the area to prepare emergency supplies, batteries, radios, power banks, and enough food and water for at least three days. The storm comes just days after Storm Kristin, which left six people dead.

“Many of the affected areas are still recovering from damages due to the recent impact of Storm Kristin,” reads the advisory. “Storm Leonardo could bring further damage to infrastructure and cause severe disruptions to travel and transportation across the country.”

According to Canada’s travel advisory update for Spain, parts of the country are also expected to be affected by the heavy rains, especially in Andalusia, in the southwest, and Galicia, in the northwest. Like Portugal, many affected areas are also still recovering from the effects of Storm Kristin.

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RTÉ reports that thousands of people in southern Spain have been forced to evacuate and that schools and trains have been cancelled.

Canadians travelling internationally can also sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). The free and confidential service notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.