From supermarkets to public services: What closes and what stays open?

However, you should bear in mind that the recommendations of the authorities are to avoid non-essential movements, because there are several districts under red warning due to wind and rain.  

Supermarkets

The Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED) stated that there was no forecast of supermarket closure due to bad weather, reinforcing that the safety of workers and customers is an absolute priority.

However, the Pingo Doce released that will close all stores in mainland Portugal during this Wednesday, in view of the worsening conditions weather and “in response to the appeals of the authorities to avoid all non-essential movements”.

Business centres

On the other hand, shopping centres are implementing preventive measures due to the predictions associated with storm Charles, but the expectation is that they remain in operation, although some constraints may arise.

The Executive Director of the Portuguese Association of Commercial Centers (APCC), Carla Pinto, explained to Lusa that the centres have in place contingency plans adjusted to the characteristics of each space, in conjunction with the competent authorities, in particular Civil Protection. Among the measures envisaged are the closure of outdoor areas or outdoor floors, the removal or fixing of equipment and furniture installed abroad and the strengthening of safety and maintenance teams.

Lisbon closes tunnels, parks, cultural equipment and.. 

In the capital, tunnels, parks and gardens and cultural equipment were closed due to bad weather forecast, announced the mayor of Lisbon (CML).

After a meeting with the Municipal Civil Protection in the Paços do Concelho, Carlos Coins highlighted that the circulation in the riverside areas “should be avoided and will be limited”. “We know that these decisions have an impact on people’s lives. We know they force families to reorganize their day. But in the face of the risk, we have to act prudently”, he added.

In addition web Summit organization announced that the second day of the event, this wednesday, will not take place, respecting the guidelines given by the government due to bad weather.

Public schools and services

The Government has decided closing non-essential public schools and services in all districts, with the authorities the closure of bridges and restrictions in air traffic.

In fact, the order the Executive can be read that it decreed “the closure of public, private and social educational establishments, including day care and preschool, and non-essential public services“.

The same diploma also provides for the following: 

• Suspension of outdoor events regardless of their nature;
• Temporary ban on movement and residence in parks, gardens, forests, forests and other wooded areas identified by the competent authorities as presenting a high risk of falling trees or branches;
• Determination of the adoption of security measures in respect of temporary structures or elements susceptible to detachment, such as scaffolding, advertising structures, boards, covers, awnings and other suspended elements, including their fixation, removal or prohibition of use, where necessary;
• Temporary ban on the movement and stay near the seashore, water lines, riverside areas, flooded areas and other sites that may be affected by floods, floods, sea undulation or galgaments, particularly in areas historically identified as of greater vulnerability.

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”.