Portugal: Civil Protection warns of heavy rain and strong wind in the north and center of the country
The Civil Protection warned this Friday (30) of the possibility of flooding, land options and water tables on the roads due to forecasts of rain and strong wind from Saturday, mainly in the North and Center regions of mainland Portugal.
Portugal Digital with Lusa
In a warning to the population, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) advances that a worsening of weather conditions with rain and strong wind is expected for the next 72 hours.
ANEPC, which cites the forecasts of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), reports periods of persistent rain, sometimes heavy, from late Saturday afternoon, in Minho and Douro Litoral, extending to remaining areas of the North and Center from Sunday morning.
According to ANEPC, the wind will be more intense on the north coast of Cabo Raso and the highlands of the North and Center, with gusts of up to 85 kilometers per hour and 90 kilometers per hour respectively, with snowfall above 1500 meters altitude also being expected. , namely in the far north mountains and Serra da Estrela, on Sunday.
West and southwest waves of up to 4.5 meters are still forecast between early Saturday and late Sunday afternoon.
ANPEC also indicates that, according to the information provided by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), variations in hydrometric levels may occur in the most lived-in historic areas.
According to the Civil Protection, on Sunday there may be floods in Caminha, Monção and Valença, the inflows to Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima will increase and may cause flooding, as well as in the flows of the Homem and Cávado rivers downstream from Caniçada and in the inflows on the river Este and Cávado (Braga).
ANEPC also mentions that flooding may occur in Braga (Cávado), on the Este River (Braga) and Barcelos, with an increase in the inflows at the mouth of the Douro which may be aggravated by the tide.
In view of weather forecasts and information on river basins, the Civil Protection warns the population of the possibility of flooding in urban areas, floods, boxes, landslides, dragging loose objects onto roadways due to episodes of strong wind and rough terrain. slippery roads and the formation of water tables.
ANEPC also recommends that the population take the necessary preventive measures, namely unblocking rainwater drainage systems and removing objects that can be dragged away, not exposing themselves to areas supported by floods, ensuring adequate fixation of loose structures, take special care when driving and stay close to wooded areas, be aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees due to stronger winds, adopt defensive driving and not cross flooded areas, as well as not engage in activities related to the sea.