Severe Weather Warnings Across Portugal
Several districts in mainland Portugal are under yellow and orange alerts due to forecasts of heavy rain, strong winds, and significant maritime agitation. These warnings are expected to remain in effect at least until Saturday.
Affected Districts
The northern districts of Viseu, Porto, Guarda, Vila Real, Viana do Castelo, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga have been under a yellow alert since 06:00 today, which will last until 06:00 Saturday. Expect heavy downpours, which may occasionally include hail and be accompanied by thunderstorms.
Wind and Maritime Warnings
The IPMA (Institute of Sea and Atmosphere) has also placed Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga under a yellow alert until 12:00 Saturday due to southwest winds with gusts up to 80 km/h.
In addition, an orange alert for maritime agitation is in effect for the districts of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga from 00:00 Saturday to 00:00 Sunday, transitioning to yellow afterward. Districts of Faro, Setúbal, and Beja will remain under orange alert until 06:00 Sunday.
Impact on Navigation
Due to severe maritime conditions, 17 maritime bars on the mainland are closed to all navigation, with Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Viana do Castelo, and Portimão facing restrictions, according to the National Maritime Authority.
Snowfall Warnings
Castelo Branco and Guarda are also under orange alerts due to snowfall expected above 1,200 to 1,400 meters from 18:00 today until 12:00 Saturday.
The orange alert indicates a moderate to high risk weather situation, while the yellow alert signifies risk for certain weather-dependent activities.
Consequences of Storm Martinho
The passage of Storm Martinho, characterized by heavy rain, wind, and maritime agitation, has led to numerous incidents across mainland Portugal, primarily involving fallen trees and structural damage. This was especially evident during the early hours of Thursday when orange weather warnings were in effect.
Roads, ports, railways, public spaces, homes, sports facilities, vehicles, and utility services have been affected, particularly in the regions of Lisbon, Tejo Valley, Central, and Southern Portugal, resulting in one serious injury and nearly ten minor injuries.
Strong winds have also contributed to the spread of around fifty rural fires in Minho, with no casualties or property damage reported during this typically less fire-prone season.
Forecast
Authorities have indicated that the conditions of heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue until Saturday.
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