Storm Impact in Maceira
The director of the Maceira School Group, Jorge Bajouco, reported to Lusa that strong winds lifted two large roof tiles made of metal sandwich paneling, although no other visible damage has been noted so far. He described the situation as a “big scare,” adding that fortunately, there were no students at the school since it is currently on break. Only teachers were present for meetings during the incident.
Current Repairs and Assessments
Bajouco explained that part of Block A of the school was left without roofing and expressed hope that repairs could commence as soon as weather conditions allow. “We are evaluating the situation alongside the firefighters,” he mentioned.
Emergency Response
A source from the Leiria Sub-Regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection indicated that the alert was issued at 16:58. In response, two vehicles from the Maceira Volunteer Firefighters were dispatched to the scene, supported by seven operatives. Around the same time, the city of Leiria experienced strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms.
Weather Warnings in Effect
The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has escalated the weather warning from seven to ten districts, marking the highest level of alert due to significant maritime agitation expected today and on Thursday. Additionally, the IPMA issued orange and yellow warnings for several districts on the mainland due to rain, strong winds, and snowfall.
Regions Under Red Alert
The districts of Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga will be under a red alert starting from 18:00 today until 06:00 on Thursday. Following this period, the alert will downgrade to orange until 15:00 on Thursday due to wave conditions. The IPMA forecasts northwesterly waves reaching heights of seven to eight meters, with maximum heights potentially hitting 15 meters.
Stay safe and keep informed about the developing weather situation.
