Storm Chaos in Portugal: Over 1,000 Incidents Recorded as Severe Weather Batters the Country

Severe Weather Wreaks Havoc Across Portugal

A powerful cold front swept across mainland Portugal on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, triggering over 1,000 incidents and widespread disruption. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) had issued orange warnings for all districts except Bragança, alerting residents to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds gusting up to 100 km/h in highlands.

Key Statistics and Regional Impact

By 10:00 PM, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) reported 1,123 occurrences nationwide, primarily affecting Lisbon and Tagus Valley and the Central region. The breakdown by region shows:

• Lisbon and Tagus Valley: 548 incidents
• Central region: 277 incidents
• Northern region: 216 incidents
• Alentejo: 78 incidents
• Algarve: 4 incidents

Within Lisbon and Tagus Valley, the Greater Lisbon sub-region was hardest hit with 249 occurrences alone.

Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage

E-Redes, the electricity distribution operator, faced significant challenges. At the peak around 8:30 AM, approximately 60,000 customers were without power. By 5:30 PM, this number had reduced to about 5,000, with efforts ongoing to restore service. Key affected areas included the Mondego and Tagus regions, particularly in districts like Santarém, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre.

Infrastructure suffered extensively, with reports of:

• Fallen trees blocking roads and damaging vehicles
• Flooding in urban and rural areas
• Structural collapses and landslides
• Interruptions to river transport between the south bank and Lisbon due to adverse sea conditions

Exceptional Lightning Activity

The IPMA recorded an exceptional 47,676 lightning strikes over 24 hours, a figure described as having a "degree of exceptionality" by meteorologist Pedro Sousa. This intense electrical activity contributed to incidents like a house fire in Sátão caused by a lightning strike, which destroyed the property while the owner was abroad.

Localized Incidents and Response

• Sintra: The municipality pledged to cover damages for five cars affected by fallen trees in the São Marcos urbanization.
• Leiria: A school with 700 students canceled classes due to power outages, while another school experienced flooding but remained operational.
• Lisbon Airport: The PSP border control area was flooded, temporarily halting services.
• Ericeira: Two individuals were rescued from the sea with minor injuries.

Civil protection and emergency services remained on high alert, with nearly 4,000 operatives and 1,400 terrestrial resources deployed to manage the situation. Residents were urged to follow safety recommendations and avoid unnecessary travel.