Storm Charles: State of alert issued as Portugal to be battered by heavy rain and 160kph winds

Résumé détaillé

Schools and non essential services are closed across Portugal as Storm Charles is expected to bring high winds and potential flooding.

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Schools have been closed after a state of alert has been issued across Portugal due to Storm Charles, which is expected to bring winds of up to 160kph.

The storm is expected to make landfall in Portugal on Wednesday, and forecasters warn it will have a high impact as it has gathered warm sea water from tropical latitudes in the Atlantic, increasing its capacity for rainfall.

According to Net Weather, while an official red alert covers the southern half of Portugal’s mainland and the Madeira archipelago, the state of alert is nationwide, and the government has ordered all schools and non-essential public services to close.

People in areas under red alert can expect heavy rain, rough seas, and risk of flooding from river overflows.

The U.S. embassy and consulate in Portugal has warned locals and travellers to avoid coastal areas, not to travel outside unless necessary, and to stay away from trees and power lines.

According to The Portugal Resident, government weather authority expert Jorge Ponte told the media that Portugal will face a “quite complex” situation this Wednesday.

Ponte also warned that the storm also has the capacity to create what’s known as a sting jet.

This is an air current that descends rapidly inside an extratropical depression and can hit with great intensity.

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