Portugal declared a nationwide state of alert ahead of Storm Charles, with schools and nonessential public services set to close Wednesday. (Foto: Instagram)
Portugal declared a nationwide state of alert Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, ahead of the arrival of Storm Charles. The government ordered schools and nonessential public services closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, and said parks, forests and gardens would also shut. Outdoor activities were suspended. Forecasts called for winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour and heavy rain, with authorities warning of possible flooding and urging people to avoid going out.
“This is an exceptional day. There will be incidents. It will be serious,” Interior Minister Luís Neves said. The government is also considering closing bridges if wind gusts reach about 150 kilometers per hour. Authorities recommended that residents stay home during the storm and avoid unnecessary travel.
Portugal’s Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued its highest-level red warning for eight districts on the mainland: Leiria, Santarém, Lisbon, Setúbal, Portalegre, Évora, Beja and Faro. In Setúbal, Beja and Faro, the warning is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday. In the other five districts, it is in effect from noon until 9 p.m. Madeira is also under a red warning, for expected rainfall, from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Forecasters expect the storm’s center to reach the Greater Lisbon area, though the IPMA said uncertainty remains about its path. The Portuguese Environment Agency warned of flood risks in 101 municipalities, with particular concern in the Algarve, the western region, small streams and urban areas. Agency president José Pimenta Machado said reservoirs still had room for the expected rainfall and the ground was not saturated. He identified flooding in cities as the greater risk.
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection activated its highest level of readiness across the country. Police, the armed forces, emergency medical services and civil protection teams were mobilized to respond to incidents, pump water from flooded areas and clear roads. Authorities also warned that the storm could disrupt electricity supplies and communications.
Portugal was still dealing with the effects of Storm Bruna. In Lisbon, firefighters recorded 131 weather-related incidents between midnight and 6 a.m. Tuesday, most involving flooding in homes and public spaces. Three trees fell, but no injuries or property damage were reported. Roads in the Segunda Circular, Campo Grande, Prior Velho and Olivais areas were temporarily closed and had reopened, according to firefighters. Civil protection officials said they would issue a summary of overnight impacts. Authorities advised residents to avoid parks, forests and gardens and to keep flashlights, other backup lights and portable battery chargers ready in case of power outages.
