Insurance companies have paid out over 303 million euros in compensation for damages caused by severe storms that struck Portugal between January 27 and February 13. The Portuguese Association of Insurers (Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores or APS) estimates that total insurable losses could eventually exceed one billion euros. In Leiria alone, residents and businesses have filed nearly 37,000 claims for property damage.

President of the Republic António José Seguro has launched his first five-day Open Presidency (Presidência Aberta) in the Central region. Accompanied by government officials, he is visiting districts including Castelo Branco, Santarém, Coimbra, and Leiria to assess recovery efforts following recent severe storms. The initiative aims to provide a direct link between the state and citizens, addressing complaints regarding delays in reconstruction support.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has issued a warning for a prolonged period of rain, thunderstorms, and falling temperatures across mainland Portugal. This shift follows an unseasonably warm Easter period and is caused by a depression moving between the Madeira archipelago and the mainland. Temperatures are expected to drop, with minimums ranging between eight and 12 degrees Celsius.

The government has opened applications for a 12-million-euro financial support mechanism to restore cultural assets damaged by storms in January and February. Managed by the Cultural Heritage Institute (Instituto do Património Cultural), the funding is intended for urgent interventions in museums and monuments that have reported physical damage.

President António José Seguro has enacted legislation ensuring 100% salary payment for workers under the simplified lay-off scheme (regime de lay-off simplificado). This support measure was created in response to recent storm damage, though it faced opposition from the PSD, IL, and CDS-PP during the parliamentary vote. The new rules aim to protect employee income during periods of temporary business suspension.

High winds have caused significant disruptions at Madeira International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira), with at least ten flights diverted and seven arrivals canceled. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has placed the island under a yellow warning (aviso amarelo) for gusts reaching up to 110 km/h in mountainous areas. Several aircraft were forced to divert to the neighboring island of Porto Santo to wait for improved conditions.

Education Minister Fernando Alexandre announced that schools damaged by Storm Kristin will be rebuilt to withstand winds of 200 kilometers per hour. The government is adopting construction models used in countries frequently exposed to cyclones to ensure structural resilience and prevent future closures. Parents and students should note that the plan involves redesigning projects in collaboration with local municipalities (municípios).

Update: Government sets June deadline for delayed housing support

The government aims to complete all financial support for private homes damaged by the storm by June 30, admitting that only 10% of 30,000 applications have been processed. Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro de Almeida also announced that €500 million in projects from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência or PRR) will be reallocated due to the disaster. Those awaiting support should note that 750 technicians are being deployed to help municipalities speed up damage assessments.

The Portuguese Association of Insurers (Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores or APS) has revised the estimated cost of damages from early 2024 storms upward to one billion euros. While insurers have already paid out over 260 million euros, many residents in hard-hit areas like Arruda dos Vinhos remain displaced due to slow state aid and severe infrastructure damage. Property owners should ensure all storm-related claims are documented as the total volume of reported losses continues to rise. Residents in affected regions should check with local councils regarding the status of state support applications.

Telecom operators Meo and Nos report that fixed network services in areas hit by recent storms are nearly fully restored, with completion expected by April 30. While mobile networks are already back to normal, fixed-line repairs require rebuilding entire sections of infrastructure damaged by the weather. Affected customers are expected to receive automatic credits on their bills for the period they were without service. Residents in storm-affected regions should check their next statements for these adjustments.

The Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region (Comunidade Intermunicipal da Região de Leiria or CIMRL) says that promised government support for storm damage has yet to arrive. The region suffered significant destruction from storms Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta nearly two months ago, affecting infrastructure and drainage networks. Local leaders are calling for higher support rates and faster access to funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência or PRR). Residents in the Leiria area should be aware of ongoing efforts to secure funding for local repairs.

An extreme weather event, confirmed by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) as a tornado, struck Porto Santo on Friday evening, causing widespread property damage but no injuries. The storm resulted in dozens of incidents including fallen trees, power outages, and flooded buildings. Residents in the Madeira archipelago should remain cautious as yellow weather warnings (aviso amarelo) remain in place through Sunday.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has issued warnings for Storm Therese (Depressão Therese), which is expected to affect the country until Saturday. The storm will have the greatest impact on the Center and South regions, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential localized extreme wind phenomena. Residents in coastal areas south of Cabo Mondego and inland south of Serra da Estrela should prepare for gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has warned that Storm Therese (Depressão Therese) will affect the mainland and Madeira through Saturday. Residents should expect intense rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with snow possible at high altitudes in Madeira. Sea conditions will also worsen, particularly along the southern coast and in mountainous regions. Residents should check local weather updates before traveling.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) warns of a sharp temperature drop in the Azores this Tuesday and Wednesday. A polar air mass could bring snow to areas above 800 meters in the Central and Oriental island groups. Those in the archipelago should be aware that minimum temperatures are expected to fall between 7 and 9 degrees Celsius.

A new report from the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) reveals that 35 beaches in the Algarve suffered significant erosion during recent winter storms. Peneco beach in Albufeira saw the most dramatic change, with the shoreline retreating by 24 meters. The agency also warned of increased cliff instability across the region due to the severe weather. Algarve residents should be aware of potential safety hazards and restricted access at affected coastal sites this spring.

The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) has announced a ‑111 million plan to repair coastal damage caused by winter storms. Approximately ‑15 million will be spent before the start of the bathing season (época balnear) in May to restore beach access and infrastructure. Beachgoers should note that nearly half of the planned repairs focus on improving safe access to the shoreline.

Severe weather earlier this year has led to 616 loans being placed under moratorium at Crédito Agrícola, totaling €124 million in debt relief for affected customers. The damage was particularly heavy in the central region, with the municipality of Arganil alone reporting €1 million in losses to local roads and infrastructure. Local authorities are still working to restore access to areas like Piódão, where landslides have interrupted traffic. Residents in the central interior should be aware of ongoing road repairs and check with their financial institutions if they require assistance due to weather-related property damage.

Of this amount, 35 million euros will be allocated to municipalities and intermunicipal entities affected by the recent storms that primarily hit the West region.

Around 51,000 people remain without phone or internet communications across 33 municipalities after recent severe weather, the Mission Structure (Estrutura de Missão) reports, while authorities have recorded about 139,500 claims totalling roughly €505 million. The government says it is processing thousands of requests for income support, home recovery and loans as repair work continues. Those affected should follow municipal and central-government notices about temporary support and restoration timetables.

The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) warned that mainland Portugal will see poor air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3–4) due to dust blown from North Africa, raising concentrations of inhalable particles. RTP, Observador, Correio and Dinheiro Vivo report the DGS advising elderly people and children to take extra precautions and recommending reduced outdoor activity during peak pollution. The issue is short-lived but can aggravate respiratory conditions and affect outdoor plans. Those with breathing problems or who care for vulnerable people should follow DGS guidance and local air-quality updates.

Multiple outlets report a storm system named Regina will reach Portugal on Monday and Tuesday with rain and strong winds. Some sources (Observador, CNN Portugal) warn of gusts up to 120 km/h and waves that could reach around 11 metres on exposed coasts, while Publico and Expresso cite the IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) saying it does not expect 'significant effects' nationwide. Residents in coastal and exposed areas should monitor official local alerts and expect rough seas and windy conditions in the coming days.

Update: More than 80 flights cancelled in Madeira

More than 80 flights were cancelled at Madeira Airport as Regina hit the islands, and Madeira Civil Protection (Proteção Civil da Madeira) issued precautionary warnings for the region; national outlets report the system is also sending heavy rain and windy conditions to the Algarve and southern Portugal.

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) does not rule out new floods this week as rain is forecast to return and persist until Sunday, raising the risk of local flash floods in vulnerable areas. Authorities and local civil protection services may issue alerts if conditions worsen; residents in flood‑prone zones should review evacuation plans and secure property. Those travelling this week should check local warnings and allow extra time for journeys.

One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.

E‑Redes reported that restoration of electricity in areas hit by the storms is “practically completed”, following an earlier statement from EDP’s president that supply had been fully restored. Both companies say only a few isolated outages remain and teams continue to monitor the grid. Residents still without power should keep in contact with their supplier and follow local updates as crews finish final fixes.

The Council of Ministers approved a decree extending the storm support scheme and the simplified reconstruction regime from about 90 municipalities to the whole country, when damage can be shown to come from the recent storms. The measure, announced by the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, lets affected homeowners and businesses access faster procedures and reduced red tape for repairs. Property owners and those with storm damage should check municipal guidance on eligibility and the required documents; those unsure about proof requirements should contact their local Câmara.

Update: Minister resigns after storm response criticism

Media reporting and opinion pieces say successive storms exposed weaknesses in the state's emergency response, especially in Coimbra and Leiria, prompting wider public debate. The government has framed the recovery under the Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience Programme (PTRR), while Civil Protection (Proteção Civil) rejected claims of service failure; the Minister of Internal Administration has since resigned, according to one outlet.

The Lisbon City Council has begun on‑site topographic surveys, geological tests and design work to stabilise a slope in the Graça neighbourhood after a weather‑related landslide, Dinheiro Vivo and RTP report. The council said it is preparing a construction procedure for slope stabilisation and improved drainage and has moved residents while work continues. Residents in Graça should follow the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Lisbon City Council) notices and expect site assessments and temporary access restrictions.

Residents of Alcácer do Sal have recounted distress from recent floods as authorities install housing blocks for displaced people, Correio da Manhã reports. Local services are providing temporary accommodation while recovery and damage assessments continue. Those in the affected area should contact the municipality for assistance and check insurance or emergency support options.

Almost a month after Storm Kristin, some residents still cannot return home; Expresso reports that in Souto da Carpalhosa one family is living in makeshift accommodation after losing their house and have delayed plans to return from Switzerland. The report underscores that recovery is uneven and that personal displacement continues even where repair work on infrastructure has begun. Homeowners and renters in affected areas should track local authority updates and insurance or social-assistance options.

IPMA's Azores Meteorological Forecast and Surveillance Centre issued a red alert for the western islands as a cold front with moderate to strong activity approaches, warning of increased wind and significant sea agitation, CNN Portugal reports. Maritime services, ferries and coastal leisure activities may be suspended or delayed while the alert is active. Those travelling by sea or living on the western Azores islands should follow notices from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) and local maritime authorities.

CNN Portugal publishes a practical guide on state assistance for people affected by the storms, outlining who may be eligible, what evidence is needed and how to apply for help tied to a state of calamity. The piece walks through municipal and central government steps to request emergency aid and links to forms and contact points. Residents and property owners in affected areas should check municipal guidance and deadlines to secure available support.

Almost a month after Storm Kristin (tempestade Kristin) hit mainland Portugal on January 28, around 4,500 E‑Redes customers remain without electricity in the worst‑affected areas, the company said. The telecoms regulator ANACOM expects problems in the fixed communications network to continue until mid‑June, complicating recovery and repairs. E‑Redes says restoration work is ongoing; affected residents should check the operator’s updates and local municipal notices for temporary power or communications arrangements. Those living in the impacted municipalities should note possible continued service interruptions.

The government-appointed coordinator for the response to storm Kristin (tempestade Kristin) said the extreme weather affecting about 60 municipalities may be “the largest contemporary natural catastrophe” in the country and estimated losses could reach €6 billion. Paulo Fernandes, named to lead on-the-ground coordination, warned of substantial recovery needs and urged fast, organised support for displaced families and damaged infrastructure. Residents and property owners in affected areas should follow municipal notices and expect inspections, aid applications and potential temporary measures.

Update: How to request state disaster aid

A new guide published by national outlets explains eligibility and the application steps for state disaster assistance, setting out who can apply and what documentation is required. The coverage is practical: affected households and businesses are being told where to submit claims and which municipal or central-government services to contact as recovery programmes are set up.

Correio da Manhã reports Almada set up a support office after severe weather and landslides forced 476 people from their homes. The municipality is coordinating temporary shelter and assistance for those affected while monitoring further slope stability risks. Residents in the area should follow municipal guidance and local emergency updates.

The Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões or ASF) says about 49% of homes exposed in municipalities hit by the storm did not have insurance covering storms or floods, RTP reports. Insurers have received roughly 114,000 claims and paid about €42 million so far, Correio da Manhã adds, signaling a large uninsured population and likely delays in payouts. Homeowners and renters should check their policies, submit claims promptly and expect processing times to be stretched.

The Aga Khan Foundation will donate €1.5 million to support reconstruction after recent floods and storms, with funds targeted at rebuilding schools, supporting students and families, and creating microforests, Diário de Notícias and Correio da Manhã report. The funding involves the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Foundation, and some uses are conditioned on educational and environmental projects in affected areas. Local municipalities and community groups should follow announcements about how funds will be allocated and which projects will receive support. Residents in heavily affected towns should check local council channels for how the donation may link to reconstruction plans.

Update: Donation aimed at schools, students and creating microforests

Diário de Notícias adds that the donation involves the Ismaili Imamat and the Aga Khan Foundation, led by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, and will focus on the most affected regions with conditions attaching funds to school rebuilding, student support and reforestation projects.

Correio da Manhã reports a landslide in Costa da Caparica, Almada, early this morning that affected three houses and prompted the evacuation of about 20 people. Authorities moved residents to safety and are assessing structural risk in the area; local emergency services are coordinating the response. If you live in or travel to coastal cliffs or unstable slopes, follow municipal instructions and avoid affected zones until officials declare them safe. Those with property in the area should check local council advisories and their insurance cover for subsidence damage.

Update: Dust cloud video shows scene; cordons remain in place

CNN Portugal and other outlets published video of a very large dust cloud at the scene; emergency services and Protecção Civil continue to cordon off the area while structural assessments proceed, and authorities say checks on neighbouring buildings are ongoing.

RTP reports that around 11,000 E-Redes customers remain without electricity as crews continue repairs in the areas hardest hit by the recent storm. The operator says teams are working to restore supply but some outages may persist while damage to lines and infrastructure is fixed. Residents should follow E-Redes updates, check their municipality's emergency information and prepare for intermittent power while repairs continue. Those in affected areas should note local restoration bulletins and check insurance cover for storm-related outages.

Update: Around 11,000 customers still without power

RTP's latest balance continues to show roughly 11,000 E-Redes clients without electricity as repair teams work in the worst-hit zones after the storm. E-Redes says crews remain on site and restorations are ongoing, but some outages may persist while damaged lines and infrastructure are fixed.

ECO's insurance-law experts warn that after natural events such as the recent storm (named Kristin in some reports) the deadline for reporting damage to insurers is the most important procedural step to secure compensation. Lawyers advise documenting damage with photos, retaining receipts, and notifying your insurer promptly so the claim is recorded within the legal reporting period. Missing the reporting deadline can jeopardise cover even if the damage is otherwise eligible. Those with storm damage should contact their insurer now and keep a clear record of all communications.

Update: Lawyers named urging prompt insurance claims after Kristin

ECO identifies lawyers Leonor Futscher de Deus and Cátia Lopes Major, who reiterate that immediate reporting, photos, and receipts are essential after depression Kristin to protect the right to compensation. They emphasise that timely notification is the first procedural step insurers look for when adjudicating claims.