A Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) has issued an alert regarding a “worsening of weather conditions in mainland Portugal” starting from Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by preventive measures for the public.
A statement from Civil Protection indicated the forecast includes “rain, sometimes heavy, accompanied by thunder and occasionally hail, wind, and maritime agitation.”
The rainfall is expected to be “sometimes heavy” with “hail and thunder across most of the territory,” according to Civil Protection.
The wind is anticipated to be “strong in the southern quadrant, with gusts up to 80 km/h on the coast and up to 100 km/h in the highlands of the North and Center.” Additionally, there will be “strong maritime agitation on the western coast between November 4 and 6.”
As per the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), all districts in mainland Portugal, except Bragança, will be under an orange warning on Wednesday due to the forecast of sometimes heavy rain.
Seventeen districts will be on yellow alert from 00:00 to 03:00, shifting to orange from 03:00 to 09:00, and then reverting to yellow until 15:00.
All districts in mainland Portugal, except Bragança, will be under an orange warning on Wednesday due to the forecast of sometimes heavy rain, according to the IPMA.
Lusa | 10:05 – 04/11/2025
What to expect in the coming days?
- Flooding in urban areas caused by rainwater accumulation due to blocked drainage systems or coastal overtopping;
- Floods, exacerbated by the overflowing of riverbanks, streams, and brooks;
- Slope instability, leading to mass movements (landslides, collapses, and others) due to water infiltration, which can be exacerbated by the removal of vegetation cover following rural fires or soil artificialization;
- Contamination of drinking water sources by debris resulting from rural fires;
- Slippery road surfaces due to possible water sheeting;
- Possible coastal accidents due to strong maritime agitation;
- Objects being dragged onto roads or the detachment of poorly secured structures due to strong winds, potentially causing accidents with vehicles in transit or pedestrians in public spaces.
What preventive measures to adopt?
- Ensure the clearing of rainwater drainage systems and the removal of debris and other objects that could be dragged away or obstruct free water flow;
- Ensure adequate securing of loose structures, including scaffolding, signs, and other suspended structures;
- Exercise caution when traveling near wooded areas, being alert to falling branches and trees due to stronger winds;
- Exercise caution when traveling near the coastline and historically vulnerable riverbank areas, avoiding travel and remaining in these locations;
- Avoid engaging in sea-related activities, including sports fishing, nautical sports, and seaside walks, and parking vehicles too close to the sea;
- Adopt defensive driving, reducing speed, and paying special attention to potential water sheeting on roads;
- Avoid crossing flooded areas, to prevent the dragging of people or vehicles into road holes or open drainage outlets;
- Remove animals, equipment, vehicles, and other assets from flood-prone areas to safe locations;
- Stay informed of weather updates and follow guidance from Civil Protection and Security Forces.
