MADRID (AP) — A woman in Spain remains missing after being swept away by a swollen river as Storm Leonardo continues to batter the Iberian Peninsula. The 45-year-old woman disappeared on Wednesday in Malaga province while attempting to rescue her dog from the raging waters. In response to the incident, local authorities and Spanish police have deployed air and canine units to assist in the ongoing search for her.

The severe weather associated with Storm Leonardo has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents in southern Spain. Additionally, numerous roads have been closed due to the severe flooding and landslides in the region. This storm is part of a troubling series of weather events that have impacted both Spain and Portugal in recent weeks.

In Portugal, parts of the country are experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing river levels to rise significantly. On Thursday, Portugal's Civil Protection authority issued an alert for areas near the Tagus River in anticipation of rising water levels, underscoring the threat posed by the adverse weather conditions.

This situation is reminiscent of a destructive storm that struck Portugal in late January, which resulted in multiple fatalities and significant damage. Authorities in Portugal are closely monitoring the situation as the storm systems continue to evolve.

As the search for the missing woman in Spain continues, the impact of Storm Leonardo illustrates the broader challenges faced by the region in dealing with extreme weather. With evacuation measures in place and ongoing alerts, both Spain and Portugal are working to mitigate the effects of this persistent weather phenomenon.