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NOTICE No./5/DCS/2024

DATE 03/05/2024

TIME 3:30 PM

NOTICE TO THE POPULATION

According to information from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), precipitation, wind, sea agitation and snowfall are expected for the next 48 hours, highlighting the following aspects:

Wednesday, March 6th:

− Precipitation, especially in the North and Central coastal regions, from the end of the afternoon; Gradual increase in wind intensity, sometimes blowing strongly along the coast and in the highlands.

Thursday, March 7th:

  • Precipitation throughout the territory, being more intense in the North and Centre regions and in mountainous areas;
  • Snowfall in the highest points of Serra da Estrela, gradually descending to 800/1000m altitude at the end of the day;
  • Wind predominating from the west quadrant, gradually increasing in intensity, sometimes blowing strongly along the coastal strip and highlands, with gusts of up to 70 km/h;
  • Gradual increase in maritime agitation, worsening from the early morning of Thursday, March 7th.

Weather information at www.ipma.pt

  1. EXPECTED EFFECTS

Given the change in weather conditions, with forecasts of precipitation, sea disturbances, wind and snowfall, the following is expected:

  • Slippery road surface due to the possibility of accumulation of ice, snow and formation of water patches;
  • Possibility of snowfall in areas and at altitudes where it does not normally occur;
  • Drainage difficulties in urban systems, particularly those seen during periods of high tide, which can cause flooding in historically more vulnerable locations;
  • Possible accidents on the coast due to strong sea waves;
  • Occurrence of flooding in urban areas, caused by accumulation of rainwater due to obstruction of drainage systems or coastal overtopping;
  • Possibility of falling branches or trees, as well as affecting infrastructure associated with communications and energy networks;
  • Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
  • Thermal discomfort in the population due to the sharp drop in minimum temperature.
  1. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) recalls that the impact of these effects can be minimized, mainly through the adoption of appropriate behaviors, therefore, and particularly in historically more vulnerable areas, it is recommended to adopt the main preventive measures to these situations, namely:

  • Ensure the unblocking of rainwater drainage systems and the removal of inert materials and other objects that could be dragged or create obstacles to the free flow of meltwater;
  • Pay attention to the most vulnerable groups (children in the first years of life, chronically ill people, elderly people or people in conditions of greater isolation, workers who work outdoors and homeless people);
  • Ensure adequate fixation of loose structures, namely scaffolding, billboards and other suspended structures;
  • Take special care when traveling and staying near wooded areas, paying attention to the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to stronger wind;
  • Take special care when traveling near the coastline and riverside areas historically more vulnerable to coastal overtopping, avoiding movement and staying in these places;
  • Do not practice activities related to the sea, namely sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea, also avoiding parking vehicles very close to the seafront;
  • Adopt defensive driving, reducing speed and paying special attention to possible accumulation of snow and/or formation of water tables on roadways;
  • Avoid driving on roads affected by snow accumulation and when this is not possible, adopt the following measures:
  • Checking the condition of the tires and their pressures;
  • Transport and placement of snow chains on vehicles;
  • Ensure fuel supply at levels that allow alternative routes to be taken or the vehicle to remain in operation for long periods of time, in the event of stranding on affected roads;
  • In electric vehicles, the battery charge must be checked and the existence of charging stations on your route must be analysed;
  • Ensure that vehicle heating systems are in good working order;
  • Provide adequate food in quantity and characteristics, as well as medicines, according to the number and type of vehicle occupants.
  • On roads affected by snow accumulation, avoid traveling with children, the elderly or people with special needs;
  • Avoid driving on those roads with heavy vehicles, particularly articulated vehicles, vehicles with trailers and rear-wheel drive vehicles;
  • Restrict the movements of vehicles and people on foot as much as possible in areas potentially affected by snowfall;
  • Do not cross flooded areas, in order to prevent people or vehicles from being dragged into holes in the pavement or open sewage tanks;

Pay attention to meteorological information and indications from Civil Protection and Security Forces.

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