APED states that there is no forecast of supermarket closure

A Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED) said today that the closure of supermarkets is not planned due to bad weather, despite ensuring that the safety of workers and customers is an “absolute priority”.

“ The closing of stores is not planned, and the sector is committed to keeping its network in operation and to ensuring the Portuguese access to essential goods,” the association said.

However, APED has ensured that the security of employees and customers is an “absolute priority”.

According to the same note, distribution companies, both retail and non-food retail, have strengthened their preparation plans to ensure normal supply of the population.

In this sense, they have anticipated the shipment of goods to the points of sale and alternative routes are being considered to circumvent the areas of greatest exposure to bad weather.

On the other hand, companies are trying to anticipate and mitigate the impact related to absences of employees for family support.

To do so, they will restrict operations outside warehouses and strengthen maintenance and cleaning work.

“ The distribution sector is prepared to respond to this context with serenity and sense of responsibility, ensuring the continuity of service to the populations ", said.

Continental Portugal is on alert between 00:00 and 23:59 Wednesday, due to the possible worsening of the state of time with the arrival of depression Charles, it is expected that Lisbon, Leiria, Setúbal, Beja and Faro will be the most affected regions.

The government has decided to close non-essential schools and public services in all districts, and the authorities have admitted to closing bridges and air traffic restrictions.

According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), “the occurrence of heavy rain or shower periods, strong wind, with gusts that can reach 120 kilometers/hour and, in case of formation of the phenomenon ‘sting jet’ (air current that quickly descends inside an extratropical depression, accelerating towards the surface), exceed 150 kilometers/hour”.

Red weather warnings (the maximum level) were issued for the continent, for Wednesday, and also for Madeira, as of tonight. In the archipelago the schools will be closed in the morning.