This run of winter storms in Andalucía has been relentless, bringing some of the most significant Andalucía flooding we have seen in years. Storm after storm rolling in from the Atlantic, each one leaving its own mark. Ingrid, Joseph, Kristin, Leonardo, and now Marta waiting in the wings. Plans were cancelled, skies stayed low and grey, and daily life slowed to match the weather.
This isn’t a storm‑chasing story. It’s a story about staying put, staying dry (mostly), and staying flexible.
Storm Leonardo and the Impact of Andalucía Flooding
Storm Leonardo hit southern Spain harder than expected, and the flooding across Andalucía was some of the worst we’ve seen in recent winters. Casa Adora escaped serious structural damage, but floodwater was lapping just centimetres from my front doorstep — the kind of close call that sharpens your attention fast.
Further along my calle, my neighbour Miguel wasn’t so lucky. Part of his barn roof collapsed under the sustained wind and rain, landing squarely on his tractor – a stark reminder that these storms can be genuinely destructive.
Across the village, the water moved with surprising force. In one street, it pushed two parked cars together, not through any collision or driver error, but simply because the current was strong enough to shift them out of place. It was a quiet but sobering example of how quickly fast‑moving water can take control.
Afterwards, I walked the village with my camera, and so did others. We shared images of flooded lanes, fallen branches, damaged roofs, and the odd scene rearranged by the storm. Together they formed a collective record of small but real impacts on our community.
Storm Leonardo may have passed, but the impact of these winter storms across Andalucía will take time to settle.
Andaluz Patio Leaks & Winter Storms Andalucia
The house held firm, but not perfectly. My Andaluz patio roof developed three leaks, and the entranceway to the kitchen now features a bucket catching a steady drip.
Adaptation became second nature: move the mat, shift the table, and listen for changes in the sound of water. All part of winter living in southern Spain.
Greyhounds vs Rain: A Losing Battle
The storms haven’t just tested buildings. My two rescue greyhounds, Issy and Poppy, do not like rain — not a little drizzle, not a passing shower, and certainly not weeks of wind‑driven downpours.
Getting them out to stretch their legs has been one of the biggest challenges of this stretch of weather. Every outing has involved strategic timing between showers, short walks, and two dogs looking at me as if the entire situation were my fault.
And while the dogs were unimpressed, the weather had other plans for the campervan too.
Campervan Plans Paused
Unsurprisingly, campervan adventures were put on hold. Flood warnings, saturated ground, and fallen branches aren’t exactly ideal travel conditions.
This isn’t a complaint — travel pauses are inevitable. What matters is how you spend the pause.
Fermenting Chillies: A Kitchen Silver Lining
With movement restricted, my attention shifted where it often does – into the kitchen.
I finally got around to fermenting chillies, the first entry in my new 'Fermenting' category. Slow transformations, bold flavours. It’s a quiet kitchen project that rewards patience: chopping, salting, watching bubbles form day by day. Stormy weather became the perfect excuse to begin.
Flexible Living: Lessons from Storm Disruption
Storms disrupt plans and expose weak points in roofs and routines alike. But they also force stillness — and sometimes the best ideas, meals, and reflections come from pause.
The roads will dry.
The leaks will get fixed.
The campervan will roll again.
The chillies will be ready when they’re ready.
Storms pass, kitchens stay warm, and life in Andalucía keeps teaching me to bend, not break.
Explore more at The Flexible Chef here
Footnote: Wonky photos, proper adventures.
