Wood alert for heavy rains and strong winds in the coming days

O Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC) today warned about the worsening of weather conditions in the region in terms of precipitation, wind and maritime agitation.

“According to the information provided by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), due to the approximation of a frontal ripple associated with a complex depression centered in the Azores region”, reads the information released by the SRPC.

The forecasts point to the occurrence of showers, sometimes strong and accompanied by thunderstorms, on the south coast and in mountainous regions as of today, and the precipitation may persist at the weekend.

“ After the passage of the frontal wave, the showers should remain, sometimes strong and accompanied by thunder, until November 9 ", complements.

As for the wind, it indicates that it will increase intensity, being from the south/southwest, and the gusts can reach 90 kilometers per hour on the north coast and on the island of Porto Santo, while in the highlands can be up to 110 kilometers/hour.

From Sunday afternoon, there will be a “gradual weakening of the wind, keeping, on the day 09 (Monday), the possibility of bursts up to 70 kilometers/hour in the highlands”, it goes.

As for maritime agitation there will be a “gradual increase” on the southern coast of Madeira, with waves up to four meters on Sunday and Monday.

The concessionaire of Lobo Marinho, the ship that ensures the regular maritime line between the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, already cancelled the scheduled trips for Saturday and Sunday, because the safety conditions for the vessel and passengers are not guaranteed.

In view of these adverse weather conditions, Civil Protection indicates the possibility of falling branches or trees, the slippery road floor and the formation of water sheets and the occurrence of flooding in urban areas where drainage difficulties may occur.

There may also be hangars near the coast, collapse of support walls or slopes and accidents by the sea.

The Regional Civil Protection Service emphasizes that the impact of these effects can be minimized by adopting appropriate behaviors in vulnerable and exposed areas, recommending preventive measures.

Plan travel to avoid exposure to risk, unblock rain drain systems, ensure adequate fixation of loose structures such as scaffolding, boards and suspended structures, ensure safety in circulation in wooded areas due to the possibility of falling branches and trees, are recommendations left by the SRPC.

The IPMA has put all the regions of the Madeira archipelago under yellow warning due to the forecasts of these weather conditions.