Officials are asking people to follow weather warnings as storms approach. The Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro has asked residents to take Civil Protection warnings seriously especially in central and southern Portugal. He said the next few days can bring dangerous conditions.
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Weather Warnings In Portugal
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority has issued warnings based on data from IPMA. The worst conditions are expected in lower Alentejo and Algarve where the weather may be most severe.
António Leitão Amaro said:
The only thing I would like to add is to ask the population to pay attention to all the warnings issued by Civil Protection in terms of the most prudent behaviours to adopt at these times
He emphasized that safety advice is crucial to staying safe during this weather.
Potential Dangers And Safety Measures
The Civil Protection Authority has warned about several dangers linked to the incoming storms. Authorities are concerned about flooding which is expected to be heavy rain and strong winds. Intense rain can overwhelm drainage systems in cities.
This will lead to street flooding and road closures. In rural areas, rivers and streams can overflow. This may cause wider flooding, impacting homes, businesses, and transportation.
Another serious risk is landslides. Rain may cause soil and rocks to shift especially on hillsides. This can damage buildings near slopes and make roads unsafe. Civil Protection advises people in risky areas to stay alert. They may need to leave temporarily if floods or landslides are likely.
Water Contamination In Rural Areas
Authorities are also concerned about water contamination. This risk is due to rural fires which have left ash and other substances. Heavy rain could carry these into water sources and contaminate drinking water. People living in rural areas boil their water when drinking or cooking it.
Strong winds can also create hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Civil Protection warned that poorly secured items like outdoor furniture or signs will be lifted by the wind. These objects may cause accidents. Officials recommend securing all loose items at home. They also advise avoiding unnecessary travel when the storm is active.
Early Flood In The Algarve
In the Algarve, recent rain has already caused some flooding. Heavy rainfall in Moncarapacho led to temporary street flooding in the Olhão municipality. In nearby Albufeira, several shops and cellars were affected by flooding downtown. There was no serious damage or injuries fortunately.
Albufeira saw the highest number of incidents in the district of Faro with five cases of street flooding. A Civil Protection source confirmed this. Local emergency teams responded quickly by helping residents and clearing flooded areas.
Advice For Residents And Visitors
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority is encouraging people to stay updated on the latest weather news. People should follow local news, use weather apps, or check Civil Protection alerts. This will help them respond quickly to changes and follow any instructions such as evacuations or road closures.
Travelers are also advised to be careful especially if they plan to visit Algarve or Alentejo. Before setting out, they should check the weather and be aware of possible delays on main routes. In some cases, delaying travel will be the safest choice.
Small precautions can help residents in high-risk areas. It is a good idea to move belongings to higher floors, secure outdoor furniture and put together an emergency kit.
Civil Protection also advises people to stay in contact with family or neighbors in case of emergencies. Those with vulnerable family members or pets should ensure their safety.
