Bad weather: GNR updates interdicted and conditioned pathways. Check it out

A Republican National Guard (GNR) revealed, on the afternoon of Wednesday, what conditions for road traffic are in place at the moment, following the bad weather associated with the passage of depression Charles. 

At 3 p.m. on November 11, GNR shall record the following road traffic conditions:

• Portalegre District – EN 246-1: cutting of circulation, in both directions, to the locality of São Salvador of Aramenha;
• Lisbon District – A1 (km 5,100): partial circulation, N/S direction (left route cut), near the town of Vialonga;
• District of Santarém – EN251 (km 53,700): alternating circulation, near the locality of Couço.

GNR further states that “following the adverse weather conditions associated with the passage of depression Charles is constantly monitoring the evolution of the situation, in close liaison with the other competent authorities, with the main priority being to safeguard the safety of all”.

It also ensures that it is maintaining “permanent monitoring of the situation by strengthening patrolling and road surveillance, with particular focus on areas most vulnerable to the effects of adverse weather conditions”.

In particular, to identify risk situations, obstacle signs, road traffic conditioning and population support, in close coordination with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the authorities and other entities involved in protection and relief operations.

In view of the forecast of worsening weather conditions, GNR recommends that the population adopt the following preventive measures:

• Avoid unnecessary movements, especially during periods of greater rainfall and wind intensity;
• Reduce the speed and increase the safety distance between vehicles, adapting driving to weather conditions and track status;
• Do not cross flooded areas, either on foot or by vehicle, as water depth and current force may pose a significant danger;
• Avoid circulating in wooded areas or near structures susceptible to fall or detachment, including trees, poles, scaffolding and advertising structures;
  Respect road signs and traffic conditions, not exceeding barriers or interdiction signs;
• Strictly follow the indications of the authorities on the ground;
  Monitor weather information and warnings issued by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), as well as the recommendations of the ANEPC;
• Contact 112 in case of emergency, in particular in situations that endanger the life or physical integrity of persons. 

It also reinforces the “call to the population to respect the indications of the authorities and avoid risky behaviour, contributing to their own safety and to the safety of all”. 

Remember that it had already increased to eight the number of roads with traffic conditioned due to bad weather increased, by 2 p.m. today, including the North-South Axis, in access to Avenida de Ceuta, in Lisbon, revealed the Infrastructure of Portugal (IP)

The eight conditioned roads are located in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Portalegre and Guarda, the public company IP said.

According to IP, “Adverse weather conditions are causing road traffic conditioning in several sections of the national network”, with occurrences requiring ground interventions to ensure safety and restore traffic conditions.

Continental Portugal is now on alert until 11:59 p.m., due to the depression Charles, which caused about 200 occurrences of Madeira last night, mainly floods, falls from trees and collapses.

The government decided to close non-essential schools and public services in all districts, recommending people to limit travel and, if possible, to telework.

Until 11:00 today, more than three hundred flights have been cancelled in Lisbon, Faro, Madeira and Porto.

According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), which issued several red warnings due to rain and wind, depression changed its characteristics and on its way to the continent, this morning, there is a reduction in the intensity of wind and gusts. There's still a lot of rain ahead.

During the night the Greater Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula were the most affected areas, especially with floods, but the Faro district is the only one that keeps red warnings for both rain and wind.