Storm Eowyn Set to Hit Portugal: What You Need to Know

Storm Eowyn's Impact on Portugal

Storm Eowyn is expected to affect continental Portugal starting today, lasting until Saturday. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and significant maritime agitation.

A frontal system associated with the Eowyn depression, currently impacting the United Kingdom, is anticipated to bring precipitation beginning this morning in the Minho and Douro Litoral regions, potentially heavy by late afternoon.

Rainfall is expected to gradually extend to other regions of the country throughout Friday and Saturday. According to Meteofontes, the forecast indicates moderate to heavy precipitation, particularly in the Minho and Douro Litoral tonight and early Saturday morning, spreading to the Central and Southern regions by late morning.

Strong maritime agitation is also predicted along the western coast from this afternoon, with waves reaching heights of 4 to 5 meters, continuing until late Saturday afternoon. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for maritime agitation, wind, and precipitation in several districts.

On Sunday, a new depression near the British Isles will lead to another front crossing the mainland, especially affecting the North and Center, with periods of moderate to heavy rain expected.

However, the South is likely to remain dry, possibly experiencing only light rain in Évora and Setúbal. On Monday, another episode of moderate to heavy rain is forecast for the North and Center, moving to the South in the afternoon.

Tuesday is expected to feature light to moderate showers across the mainland, with January 29 anticipated to bring another significant rainfall event, particularly in the North and Center. Following January 30, a high-pressure system is expected to settle over the mainland, promising a drier and colder start to February.

As for the UK, both Ireland and parts of the UK are under red alert due to Storm Eowyn, which has already caused record wind speeds of 183 km/h in Ireland, disrupting airport operations and prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors.

Flight cancellations have been reported, including at least four flights from Dublin to Lisbon and three in the opposite direction, along with one from Lisbon to London. Major airports including Dublin, Heathrow, and Glasgow have seen numerous cancellations due to the storm's impact.

Storm Eowyn was named by the MET Office (UK Meteorological Service) and is centered to the west/southwest of the British Isles.