IP reinforces prevention and surveillance measures due to bad weather

A Portugal's infrastructure (IP) today announced that it reinforced the prevention and surveillance measures due to the worsening of weather conditions on Wednesday, keeping teams prepared to respond to possible occurrences.

“ Adverse conditions may pose increased risks for those who circulate, making a preventive attitude and a renewed attention to the evolution of the situation essential”, highlighted IP in a publication on social network Facebook with advice for the population.

The body stressed that “it strengthened prevention and surveillance measures, keeping its teams prepared to respond to possible occurrences and seeking to ensure the best security and mobility conditions for all users”.

Regarding rail traffic, IP pointed out that it will take place “with restrictions, including speed limitations in the most risky areas, and the service may change due to the evolution of weather conditions”.

“IP will enhance network surveillance and give priority to inspections and interventions necessary to ensure security conditions”, can be read.

For road users, IP calls on drivers to reduce speed and increase safety distance, to pay attention to the accumulation of water on the road and to reduce visibility, to never cross flooded areas and to avoid parking near trees or flood sites.

The body also pointed out that the population should plan their journey if they need to travel, indicating that they follow the recommendations of Civil Protection, consult the weather warnings of IPMA and report on possible road and rail conditions.

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.