Storm Charles, together with Storm Bruna, is set to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to Portugal. Madeira will be hit as early as Tuesday evening, November 10, with mainland Portugal following on Wednesday. The government has issued a warning on social media, urging people to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary, particularly during periods of heaviest rain and strongest winds. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution, while households are encouraged to keep flashlights and fully charged power banks close at hand.
IPMA, Portugal’s national weather service, has issued red weather warnings for rain, wind and rough seas in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Leiria, Évora, Beja, Faro and Castelo Branco. Heavy rainfall is expected across much of the country from midday onwards, with wind gusts reaching 120 km/h and coastal waves up to six metres high. The government has declared a state of alert (situação de alerta). Schools and non-essential public services will be closed on Wednesday, and access to parks and gardens is prohibited.
Authorities are warning of possible flooding, landslides, falling trees and unsecured structures, as well as potential power and communications outages. The government expects storm drains in several cities to be overwhelmed by the volume of water, causing streets to flood.
Lisbon experienced the first effects of the storm overnight. Between midnight and 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the Lisbon Fire Brigade (RSBL) received 130 emergency calls, mostly concerning flooded apartments and public spaces. No major damage was reported. Sections of the Segunda Circular ring road near Campo Grande, as well as roads in Prior Velho and Olivais, were temporarily closed but had reopened by morning. Three trees fell, but no one was injured.
What the authorities recommend:
– Clear gutters and drainage channels, removing anything that could obstruct the flow of water.
– Stay away from rivers, streams and areas with a history of flooding. Floodwater can conceal potholes and open manholes, and may sweep away people or vehicles.
– Keep away from beaches, cliffs, breakwaters and piers.
– Do not park under trees, in underground car parks or in low-lying areas at risk of flooding.
– Secure scaffolding and anything attached to the outside of buildings.