The Portuguese Navy’s website reports that the maritime bars of Caminha, Douro, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Vila do Conde, and Portinho da Ericeira are closed to navigation, with bars at Aveiro and Figueira da Foz operating under restrictions.
Due to sea agitation, the districts of Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga have been under a yellow warning from 6 AM today until 6 AM on Wednesday.
The yellow warning, the least severe, is issued when there is a risk situation for certain activities dependent on meteorological conditions.
In a statement on Monday, IPMA explained that waves with significant heights of up to four meters are expected on the western coast on Tuesday, which could reach a maximum height of seven meters, a situation unusual in August and resulting from the positioning of post-tropical cyclone ERIN.
“The expected peak period values are very high, between 15 to 20 seconds, which will translate into very energetic waves with a high volume of water, significantly increasing the risk of strong rip currents along the coast,” stated IPMA.
According to the Institute, during the high tide period in the afternoon, combined with a predictably high tide amplitude, several beaches may be left with no available sand.
“Due to the swell having a northwesterly direction, the southern coast of the Algarve will not be as exposed to this situation, with southwest waves expected up to one meter,” according to IPMA.
The swell will remain strong on the western coast throughout the week, with significant heights between two to three meters.
“This situation, although not unprecedented, is infrequent in July and August, so it is recommended to follow the warnings and adhere to the recommendations suggested by the competent authorities,” the Institute further notes.
Following the worsening maritime conditions, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and the National Maritime Authority (AMN) have alerted the public, advising preventive measures.
The AMN appealed to beachgoers to exercise caution when going to the beach, frequent permanently monitored beaches, respect the flag and beach signs, the instructions of lifeguards and other monitoring staff, remain vigilant with children, and avoid staying beneath cliffs.
The AMN advised the maritime community to reinforce moorings and keep a close watch on moored and anchored vessels.
To the general public, it recommended avoiding walks near the sea or in areas exposed to maritime agitation, such as harbor protection jetties, cliffs, or beaches, to avoid being caught off guard by a wave.
The maritime authority also indicated that recreational fishing should not be practiced under these conditions, particularly near cliffs and rocky areas often hit by waves, “always bearing in mind that under these conditions the sea can easily reach seemingly safe areas.”
