The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), in conjunction with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), has issued a full set of safety instructions and precautionary measures for the public as a result of the very significant deterioration in the weather due to the depression “Charles” on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

An “alert status” has been declared across mainland Portugal, with all schools and non-essential public services closed, and the clear message to the public is that “the best thing to do is to stay at home”.

IPMA has issued a “red warning” for the Beja, Évora, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon, Portalegre, Santarém and Setúbal districts due to southwesterly winds which could reach 100-120 km/h (with even higher speeds in the more exposed areas).

The Autonomous Region of Madeira is also under the maximum level of warning for accumulated rainfall, which could exceed 100mm in 12 hours, and there will be major disruption to air traffic. School is suspended until 1 pm.

The main risks from the storm are heavy, prolonged rainfall; wind gusts of up to 140km/h in the mountainous areas of Madeira; and very rough seas, with waves up to 6 metres along the mainland coast and 5 metres in the archipelago.

Other risks are urban flooding, landslides, rockfalls, the collapse of trees and buildings, slippery roads and the potential for power and telecoms outages. At the household level, check all doors and windows and remove or secure any objects on balconies, in the garden, and on terraces (plant pots, outdoor furniture, parasols, containers, etc.), as these could be blown about.

Climbing onto roofs or doing any work in exposed areas is absolutely not to be done. To prevent flooding in garages and basements, clear the gutters and drains, keep valuables off the floor and park your car in a high area rather than in an underground car park.

In the event of a potential power cut, the ANEPC would recommend that people charge their mobiles and their external battery packs in advance, have flashlights ready and have an emergency kit assembled (drinking water, ready-to-eat food, any essential medication, a list of emergency contacts). There is a risk of poisoning if a generator or any other combustion-powered equipment is used indoors. If the home is flooded, people must not enter any underground areas.

Only switch off the main electrical panel if there is no contact with water, and if the authorities order an evacuation, the measures must be taken immediately.

Those who need to travel must drive with care and stay well away from the coast, beaches, riverbanks, and unstable buildings. Attention must also be paid to pets, the elderly, and children. It’s vital to keep checking the alerts, and those in danger must call 112.

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