Portugal: Adverse weather forecast along Atlantic coast, March 2-3

Adverse weather is forecast along Portugal's Atlantic coast and inland regions, March 2-3. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) have warned of strong winds and rough seas. Wave heights of 5-6 meters (16-20 feet), reaching a maximum of 10 meters (32 feet), will likely cause disruptions in coastal areas. Heavy snowfall is also forecast in the Guarda and Castelo Branco regions.

The IPMA meteorological institutes has issued the following warnings:

• Orange rough sea warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across the coasts of Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, and Viana do Castelo districts, through 04:00 March 3.

• Orange heavy snowfall warnings: Across the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts, through 22:00 March 3.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the Aveiro, Braga, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, and Viana do Castelo districts, through 19:00 March 3..

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks. The severe weather may cause transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Severe weather may trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in storm-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.