Between midnight and 7 p.m. on Monday, there were 666 weather-related incidents, with Viseu, Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga and Aveiro being the most affected districts. The main occurrences were falling trees and flooding in urban areas. The information was advanced by André Fernandes, commander of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, at a press conference at the ANEPC headquarters that began shortly after 8:00 p.m.
Of a instructions that took place at 7:00 p.m. this Monday and in which Civil Protection, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) met, it was concluded that the meteorological situation will worsen and severe conditions will remain. Strong wind is coming, with gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour in the mountains and on the coast of continental Portugalwith special attention to the districts of Leiria, Lisbon, Setúbal and Beja, which must pay special attention to self-protection measures.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in the coming hours, with the highest incidence in the districts of Castelo Branco, Leiria, Santarém, Portalegre, Lisbon, Setúbal, Évora and Beja. However, this will be generalized to a large part of the country, being characterized by the commander as “particularly strong”. “We cannot rule out flooding in urban areas, in cities, towns and villages, and also in some riverbeds”declared André Fernandes.
In short, says the commander, a severe weather situation is expected, with a higher incidence from 11:00 p.m. on Monday and during the early hours and morning of Tuesday. Civil Protection calls on the population to be careful when traveling, reducing them as far as possible and adapt driving to weather conditions. In case the road is flooded, it is recommended to go back and “take no chances”.
With regard to maritime disturbances, Civil Protection also appeals to people not to go near the coastline and to stay safe in their homes.
Source: Observadora
