Portugal: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 21

Heavy rainfall forecast across many parts of Portugal through at least Dec. 21. Disruptions to transport, business, and utilities possible.

Event

Heavy rainfall is forecast across many parts of Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores, through at least Dec. 21. Rough seas and strong winds are also expected in parts of Madeira and the Azores. As of Dec. 20, the Portuguese Institue of Meteorology (IPMA) has issued the following warnings across the country:

Orange rainfall warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): southern and interior Madeira.
Yellow rainfall warnings: Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Vila Real, and Viseu districts, as well as nothern Madeira and central and eastern Azores.
Yellow rough sea warnings: southern Madeira and western and central Azores.
Yellow wind warnings: southern and interior Madeira and western Azores.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts in Madeira and the Azores if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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.