14 Sep 2022 | 01:19 PM UTC
Portugal: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Guarda District and multiple other regions as of Sept. 14
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of mainland Portugal as of Sept. 14. Severe damage reported in Guarda District.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across multiple locations across mainland Portugal as of Sept. 14. The remnants of Hurricane Danielle have brought heavy rainfall across much of the country since Sept. 12. The most severe damage has been reported in the municipality of Manteigas in Guarda District. Downpours fell on the burn scar from a major wildfire that occurred in the Serra da Estrela mountain range in mId-August. Floodwaters, debris, and fallen trees were carried down the hillside towards the village of Sameiro, causing damage to vehicles, buildings, and other infrastructure. Authorities have not reported any casualties; however, damage assessments are ongoing.
Flooding has also been reported in parts of the Braga, Lisbon, Setubal, and Viseu districts. Authorities have received hundreds of emergency calls associated with the bad weather. One person suffered a heart attack and is being treated in hospital after being swept off their feet by flood waters in Massama Municipality in Lisbon District. Damage has been reported to homes in the Lisbon area and several roads across affected areas have been blocked by fallen trees and flooding. As of September 14, yellow rainfall warnings issued by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) remain in place across most districts in mainland Portugal; however, all of these warnings are due to expire late Sept. 14.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
