Storm Charles batters Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 11 Nov, 17:34 · Archive

Storm Charles has brought heavy rain and strong winds to Portugal, with authorities issuing a state of alert and closing schools and non-essential services.

Storm Charles has brought heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to Portugal, with authorities issuing a nationwide state of alert. Schools and non-essential public services have been closed across the country as the storm makes landfall on Wednesday.

Winds are expected to reach up to 160 kph, with forecasters warning of potentially very dangerous gusts. According to weather experts, the storm has gathered warm sea water from tropical latitudes in the Atlantic, increasing its capacity for rainfall. A red alert covers the southern half of Portugal's mainland and the Madeira archipelago, with waves along the Lisbon and Setúbal coastlines forecast to reach up to seven metres and potentially 13 metres at their maximum.

Portuguese government weather authority expert Jorge Ponte warned that Portugal will face a 'quite complex' situation on Wednesday. The storm has the capacity to create what is known as a sting jet, an air current that descends rapidly inside an extratropical depression and can produce very strong wind gusts exceeding 160 kilometres per hour, potentially causing significant damage.

The Web Summit, a major technology conference in Portugal, cancelled its second day of events on Wednesday due to the risks. Portuguese authorities strongly advised the organisers to cancel because of risks of tidal flooding and severe disruption to public transport.

The U.S. embassy and consulate in Portugal has warned locals and travellers to avoid coastal areas, not to travel outside unless necessary, and to stay away from trees and power lines. Heavy rain, rough seas and risk of flooding from river overflows are expected in areas under red alert. Coastal facilities have been closed, with streets in areas like Costa da Caparica left waterlogged.

How it is being reported

• Portugal cancels more than 300 flights, shuts schools due to Storm CharlesAuthorities spared no effort in preparation for the Atlantic storm after criticism following January's Storm Kristin.Al Jazeera · 11 Nov, 17:46
• Storm Charles: Heavy rain and strong winds batter PortugalHeavy rain, rough seas and strong winds hit Costa da Caparica in Portugal, with coastal facilities closed and streets left waterlogged.Euronews · 11 Nov, 13:27
• Storm Charles: State of alert issued as Portugal to be battered by heavy rain and 160kph windsSchools and non essential services are closed across Portugal as Storm Charles is expected to bring high winds and potential flooding.Independent World · 11 Nov, 11:06
• Second day of Web Summit cancelled as Storm Charles puts Portugal on high alertPortuguese authorities strongly advised organisers of the Web Summit to cancel events this Wednesday because of risks of tidal flooding and severe disruption to public transport. Storm Charles is expected to be at its most dangerous on Wednesday afternoon, with winds reaching up to 120 km/h and potentially very dangerous wind gusts as well.France 24 · 11 Nov, 10:37

In this story: Portugal · Storm Charles · Costa da Caparica · Lisbon · Madeira · Web Summit · U.S. embassy · Jorge Ponte

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