Environment: Flood risk news in Portugal

‘Brutal’ rise in the Sado's flow in Alcácer do Sal. Slower fall from 04:00

Water releases at the Aguieira dam. Coimbra to begin preparing for a possible evacuation scenario

There are 63 flood risk zones in Portugal. Construction continues in some of them

Analysis warns of choices that are increasing exposure to floods

Should we suspend a Municipal Master Plan to build more on floodplains?

A city cannot build its future by recklessly exposing itself to flood risk.

The Mondego does not lie. We were the ones who did not want to listen

The February 2026 flood was no surprise to those who know the river. It was the predictable consequence of decades of illusions, poor maintenance, and construction where it should never have taken place. It is time to say what science has known for a long time.

Coimbra City Council and University hold debate on floods

The initiative aims to “analyse the flood episodes recently recorded in the Mondego river basin” and promote technical reflection on “flood risk management in Portugal”.

Coimbra prepares for a “100-year flood”

Home News Coimbra prepares for a “100-year flood” Coimbra prepares for a “100-year flood” Ana Abrunhosa, the mayor of Coimbra, warns of the possibility of a “100-year flood” on the Mondego River. By Bruno G.

Civil Protection warns of heavy rainfall with risk of flooding and landslides

According to the commander of Civil Protection, there is a “significant risk of flooding in the Mondego, Tejo, Sorraia, Vouga, Águeda, and Sado rivers” and “the risk of flooding also exists in the Minho, Coura, Lima, Cávado, Ave, Douro, Tâmega, Sousa, Liz, Nabão, and Guadiana rivers.”

From Mondego to Sado. Civil Protection urges caution for populations in flood risk areas

Civil Protection is urging caution for populations in flood risk areas, with the Mondego region being the most concerning for authorities. Here, we provide minute-by-minute updates on the weather conditions in Portugal.

Flood risk increases in several municipalities in the West region

Civil Protection urges the public to stay away from riverbanks due to the high risk of flooding.

Civil Protection warns of heavy rainfall and flood risk across the country

Civil Protection has issued a warning about the risk of flooding throughout the country, affecting both riverside areas and urban zones, in a report made this Tuesday regarding the severe weather that continues to impact the territory. “The main concern is the heavy rainfall,” stated the National Commander of Civil Protection, Mário Silvestre.

Persistent rain and strong winds. Civil Protection warns of flood risk near the country's main rivers

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority warns of a flood risk near the country's main rivers due to persistent rain expected until Wednesday.

High flow of the Douro River may flood the riverside areas and Miragaia

Authorities warn the public about the risk of flooding.

Civil Protection warns of high risk in the Tagus and calls for preventive evacuation of homes

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority warns of river flows in the Tagus that could reach levels not seen since 1997, due to discharges from Spanish dams. With thousands of incidents and dozens of affected areas, Commander Mário Silvestre urges people to avoid flooded areas and evacuate at-risk homes.

If you live in areas that are usually flooded, be "very alert" tonight

Commander Paulo Santos explains that all resources are mobilised, but warns of a high risk of flooding due to soil saturation and dam discharges. The commander also calls for the preventive removal of goods and vehicles, especially in flood-prone areas and low urban areas.

January is likely to have been the wettest month on record

The APA noted that, despite an unprecedented crisis, they have been able to 'manage the situation'.

Low-pressure system forecast for the 8th changes course but will still bring heavy rain to Portugal

The coming days are not expected to bring an extreme scenario, but the low-pressure system forecast for Sunday still warrants attention: although it no longer appears set to track directly over mainland Portugal, it should pass to the north of the Iberian Peninsula and influence the weather.

Coruche activates Municipal Emergency Plan

The Coruche municipal council has activated the Municipal Emergency and Civil Protection Plan following Storm Kristin, which brought heavy rainfall and a sharp rise in levels of the Sorraia River, increasing the risk of flooding and inundation.

Ereira settlement in Montemor-o-Velho at risk of being isolated by floodwaters today

The settlement lies between the central channel of the Mondego River and the so-called abandoned riverbed. Water in the surrounding fields has risen by about one metre since Monday morning.

"Our rivers can no longer carry all the water to the Tagus". Dam releases increase flood risk

As periods of heavy rain forecast for the coming days approach, concern is growing over the discharges being made from dams. In Torres Novas, CNN Portugal reporter António Pereira Gonçalves reports that water has completely submerged a road in the parish of Riachos.

Residents of Formoselha in Montemor-o-Velho concerned despite being accustomed to flooding

Residents of Formoselha, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Velho in the Coimbra district, are worried about the risk of flooding in the Baixo Mondego, even though they say such events are already commonplace.

Avoid parking your car under trees and beware of cranes: another 'difficult period' of heavy rain and strong winds is coming

Commander Luís Martins warns that Storm Leonardo will bring another 'difficult period' in terms of weather, with forecast rain and strong winds and a risk of flooding. In this scenario, the CNN Portugal commentator offers advice to minimise the consequences of the new storm.

'Rare' moment at Castelo de Bode dam

António Pereira Gonçalves, live from the Castelo de Bode dam, reports a “rare” moment, according to the CNN journalist: “the four spillways are open”, at a time when the dam's level is at 117 metres but could still reach 123.

"The river is practically at pavement level": mayor of Álcacer do Sal issues warning about risks from bad weather

Ana Paula Mota, mayor of Álcacer do Sal, says there is no one living in the houses close to the river that could be flooded as a result of the bad weather.

Flooding? 'Everything is ready to evacuate people'

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho singles out the River Mondego as the biggest concern in Portugal. She nevertheless says the authorities are ready to respond.

In Coimbra, it is essential that the Mondego does not exceed 2,000 cubic metres per second

José Pimenta Machado, president of the APA, explains what the biggest concerns are at this time as new storms approach.

Pombal resorts to tarpaulins to cover roofs destroyed by the storm

Residents affected by the storm in Pombal are seeking tarpaulins as an improvised solution to cover destroyed roofs. During the early hours, 46 people were evacuated from their homes due to the risk of flooding of the River Arunca.

After the destruction caused by Kristin, low-pressure system Leonardo brings heavy rain and strong winds to Portugal

Following the damage left by Storm Kristin, a new low-pressure system called Leonardo is bringing heavy rain and strong winds across much of Portugal.

Reservoirs across the country are reaching maximum storage capacity

The Alqueva reservoir is receiving flows from national rivers and streams of around 2,500 m³/s. Reservoirs are running out of space to accommodate more water, especially agricultural dams.