Portugal braces for severe weather as Lisbon floods and schools close

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere said bad weather will reach mainland Portugal on Wednesday morning, with Lisbon expected to be the hardest hit, followed by Leiria, Setubal, Beja and Faro. Meteorologist Bruno Cafe said a temporary lull will occur today before conditions worsen tomorrow morning, earlier than initially forecast.

Cafe told Lusa news agency that a situation similar to the January storm Kristin cannot be excluded, though he described it as bad luck. He added that a red warning for Lisbon is not ruled out.

“It would be immense bad luck for it to happen, but it cannot be excluded.”

The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection issued an alert on Monday night, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heaviest rain and wind and to exercise caution on roads. It also advised residents to have alternative lighting and charged communication equipment ready.

Lisbon firefighters recorded 130 incidents between midnight and 6am on Tuesday, mostly home and public space flooding without serious consequences. Some roads were closed around Segunda Circular, Campo Grande, Prior Velho and Olivais but have since been resolved.

Interior Minister Luis Neves announced that the government declared a state of alert, meaning schools and non-essential public services will close from tomorrow. In Lisbon, traffic is restricted on Segunda Circular in the Benfica area due to flooding.

Civil Protection issued a detailed list of recommendations, including clearing rainwater drainage systems, avoiding flooded areas, moving vehicles and belongings from flood-prone zones, staying away from exposed beaches and cliffs, securing loose outdoor structures, and driving defensively at reduced speeds.