Government Urges Staying Indoors as Storm Charles Approaches

Monday, 9 November 2026AI summary

🌱 Environment 🚇 Infrastructure #severe-weather #emergency-services

Government Urges Staying Indoors as Storm Charles Approaches — Photo: Diário de Notícias

The government advised residents to travel only when strictly necessary as mainland Portugal braces for Storm Charles to arrive on Wednesday. The approaching depression follows closely behind Storm Bruna, bringing persistent downpours, risk of urban flooding, and wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h in coastal and central regions.

Emergency services in Lisbon responded to 130 weather-related incidents between midnight and dawn on Tuesday, primarily handling flooded streets and basements. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) warned of severe marine agitation with waves up to five meters, while civil protection authorities urged drivers to exercise extreme caution amid standing water.

Context & Explainers

IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) is Portugal's national authority for weather, ocean, and climate monitoring. It produces weather forecasts, issues severe weather warnings, monitors seismic activity, and provides marine and atmospheric data.

IPMA uses a four-level color-coded warning system: green (no risk), yellow (potential risk), orange (moderate-to-high risk), and red (extreme risk). These warnings cover conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat, cold snaps, rough seas, and snow.

Residents should monitor IPMA forecasts during storm season (typically October–March) and heatwaves (July–August). IPMA bulletins are used by civil protection authorities, transport operators, and local councils to make decisions about road closures, school suspensions, and evacuation orders.

Website: ipma.pt