The Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC) has issued a warning regarding the potential for falling branches or trees, as well as possible disruptions to communication and energy infrastructure networks.
The passage of this depression is expected to cause loose objects to be dragged onto roadways and structures to detach due to the anticipated strong winds, potentially causing accidents involving vehicles or pedestrians in public areas, the regional authority adds.
There could also be urban flooding, drainage difficulties, and other incidents, the SRPC notes.
Preventive measures are recommended to mitigate the impact of adverse weather effects, especially in more exposed and potentially vulnerable areas.
Civil Protection emphasizes the need to ensure “the clearing of rainwater drainage systems and the removal of debris and other objects that can be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of water,” as well as the proper securing of loose structures, such as scaffolds and others.
The regional authority urges the population to exercise special caution when traveling and staying near wooded areas and the coastline.
Travel to affected areas should be avoided, and the population should stay informed about weather conditions and follow the advice of Civil Protection and security forces, the SRPC further underlines.
These recommendations are based on information from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), which predicts the passage of depression Claudia over the Madeira archipelago from the early hours of Wednesday until Sunday afternoon, affecting the southern coast and mountainous areas.
Rainfall is expected at times to be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, “especially in the early hours of Wednesday and Thursday.”
Winds are likely to be moderate from the south/southwest, sometimes strong (up to 40km/h), “especially in the east and west extremes, with gusts up to 65km/h, blowing strong (35 to 50km/h) in highlands, with gusts around 90km/h.”
On Madeira’s north coast and Porto Santo, waves are expected to reach up to 3.5 meters, increasing to 4.5 meters on Friday, while the south coast waves should not exceed 3.5 meters.
The Port of Funchal’s captaincy issued a strong maritime agitation warning today, advising reinforced and tightly secured mooring of docked and anchored vessels.
