The Emilia depression is approaching the country, bringing snow, rain, and maritime turbulence. The districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco are under a yellow alert due to the expected snowfall “above 1400/1600 meters in altitude, with accumulation potentially exceeding 25 cm in the highest points of Serra da Estrela”.
The alert will be in effect from 3:00 AM on Friday, December 12, until midnight on Saturday, December 13, requiring those living or visiting this area to exercise increased caution due to weather conditions.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority advises caution while driving:
- Adopt defensive driving, reduce speed, and be particularly cautious of possible ice formation on roads;
- Avoid traveling on roads affected by snow accumulation and, when unavoidable, take the following measures:
– Check tire conditions and pressures;
– Install snow chains on vehicles;
– Ensure fuel supply is sufficient for alternative routes or extended vehicle operation during road closures;
– Verify that vehicle heating systems are functioning properly;
– Avoid traveling on these roads with children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs;
– Avoid using such roads with heavy vehicles, particularly articulated vehicles, trailers, and rear-wheel drives. - If driving an electric vehicle:
– Start with a fully charged battery;
– Prefer the ECO driving mode;
– Plan the journey well, checking for charging points along the route. - Stay informed about weather updates and follow instructions from Civil Protection and Security Forces.
In mainland Portugal, the Emilia depression will cause rainfall on Friday, the 12th, “which in some locations may be particularly heavy, especially in the southern region,” as announced by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere in a statement.
“Precipitation will occur in the form of snow above 1400/1600 meters in altitude, with potential temporary drops to 1200 meters in the northern mountains. In the highest peaks of Serra da Estrela, snow accumulation may exceed 25 cm,” it further stated.
The Emilia depression also brings “occasionally strong winds in highlands”, while unrelated depressions “deeply present in the North Atlantic” will contribute to significant maritime agitation along the western coast.
In Madeira, the adverse weather effects will also be noticeable. The IPMA has issued several warnings concerning maritime agitation and precipitation, which may even include snow in highland areas.
The Emilia depression will impact mainland Portugal and Madeira throughout the day on Friday. Yellow, orange, and red alerts are spread across the country, and no district will be spared from rain.
Tomásia Sousa | 18:22 – 11/12/2025
