Bad weather worsens “in the coming days”: The Councils of Civil Protection

A National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) released, this Monday, a series of preventive measures, taking into account the “significant increase of weather conditions in continental Portugal, associated with the passage of depression Charles”, predicted “in the coming days”.

In this sense, Civil Protection pointed out that, according to the predictions of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), “periods of rain or showers, temporarily strong, with occurrence of thunder”, “strong wind, with possibility of gusts up to 120 km/h” and “maritime shake, with waves to the west/southwest, 4 to 5 meters high”.

“ Weather instability may worsen in the coming hours, so the population should closely monitor the information provided by IPMA”, alerted Civil Protection.

Here's what to expect in the next few days:

Persistent precipitation increases the risk of floods and floods and is expected:

• Flooding in urban areas caused by the accumulation of rainwaters and insufficient drainage systems;
• Floods resulting from increased flow rates and possible transshipment of rivers, streams and water lines;
• Instability of slopes with possibility of landslides, collapses and other mass movements;
• Slippery road floor due to the formation of water sheets;
• Fall of trees, branches and structures moving or deficiently fixed due to strong wind action;
• The public transport of loose objects with potential impact on road traffic and safety of persons;
• Coastal border accidents associated with strong maritime agitation;
• Possibility of interruptions located in the supply of electricity and communications services due to the fall of trees or damage to infrastructure. 

Follow the advice of Civil Protection:

• Ensure the clearance of rainwater flow systems and removal of inerts and other objects that can be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of water;
• Avoid any activity close to water lines, especially in areas with a history of flooding;
• Do not cross flooded areas so as to prevent the dragging of persons or vehicles to holes in the floor or open sewer boxes;
• Withdraw from normally flooded areas animals, equipment, vehicles and/or other goods for safe places;
• Avoid staying and travelling near beaches, cliffs, jetties, pontoons and riverside areas exposed to maritime agitation;
• Do not remain with water lines or areas susceptible to transhipment;
• Do not park vehicles in areas that usually flood, in underground sites, as well as in wooded areas;
• Ensure that loose structures such as scaffolding, boards and other hanging structures are properly fixed;
• Take special care in the circulation and stay close to wooded areas, being attentive to the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to stronger wind;
• Close and strengthen blinds and windows, especially those facing the wind;
• Properly collect or fix objects and structures outside that can be dragged by the wind;
• Ensure adequate fixing or removal of existing objects on balconies, terraces and parapets, including vases, garden furniture and other elements likely to be projected by the wind;
• Adopt defensive driving by reducing speed and paying particular attention to the possible formation of water sheets on roads;
• Avoid unnecessary movements during periods of greater rainfall and wind intensity, taking particular care in road traffic;
• Ensure that there are alternative means of lighting and properly loaded communication equipment;
• Stay informed through the forecasts and warnings issued by IPMA and follow the recommendations of Civil Protection and Security Forces.

In the statement, sent to the editorials, the Civil Protection said that, due to the “aggravation of the weather situation”, it will hold tomorrow, November 10, a press conference, at 8:30 am, which will be attended by the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves.