Severe Weather Alert in Portugal

The Civil Protection agency reported a total of 182 incidents across mainland Portugal due to severe weather conditions, primarily strong winds, between 12 PM and 11 PM on Tuesday. The Northern regions, particularly the Porto Metropolitan Area, Cávado, and Alto Minho, have been the hardest hit.

Incident Breakdown

According to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the majority of incidents include:

• 82 tree falls
• 37 cases of structural collapses
• 36 road clearances
• 17 flooding incidents
• 10 mass movement events

A total of 612 personnel and 223 ground resources were deployed to manage these incidents. Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant injuries or damage, with none of the occurrences meeting a relevance criterion.

Weather Warnings and Recommendations

The ANEPC has issued weather alerts and recommendations for the population, especially those in historically vulnerable areas and regions affected by wildfires. They advise residents to take preventive measures against anticipated heavy rains, strong winds, and high maritime agitation.

In a public advisory, the ANEPC urged individuals to ensure:

• Proper fixation of loose structures, such as scaffolding and signs
• Care while moving near wooded areas due to the risk of falling branches and trees
• Defensive driving practices, including reducing speed and avoiding flooded areas

Upcoming Weather Developments

According to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Storm Kirk is expected to move northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, approaching the mainland on Wednesday morning after worsening weather conditions were already observed on Tuesday afternoon. The potential impact of these meteorological effects can be minimized by adopting appropriate behaviors.

Stay safe and stay informed!