According to the meteorological information provided by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on 16th November, in the next 48 hours, weather conditions are expected to increase from Saturday afternoon (November 17) until the end of Sunday afternoon (November 18), highlighting:

The IPMA have issued an orange level high seas warning for all 10 coastal districts of the mainland from 2200 hrs on 17^th to 1200 hrs on 18^th November.

Meanwhile 5 districts Beja, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon and Setubal will be at yellow warning for increased winds, gusting up to 70 kph from 1800 hrs on 17^th to 0900 hrs on 18^th November and four districts Beja, Evora, Faro and Setubal for heavy rain showers from 2200 hrs on 17^th to 0900 hrs on 18^thNovember.

Mainland Portugal is under the influence of a “poor quality” air mass coming from North Africa, with greater expression between the regions of Algarve and Lisbon, warned the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

The APA predicts for Saturday 17^th November the continuation of these conditions, will spread to the entire mainland, “forecasting poor air quality that, in case of precipitation, this could give rise to the so-called ‘mud rains’.”

This mass of air has effects on human health, according to the APA, especially in a more vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, who must redouble their care during the occurrence of these situations, following the recommendations of the Directorate-General for Health.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere predicts, for Saturday, “periods of rain or showers in the Centre and South, especially on the coast and in the afternoon.

EXPECTABLE EFFECTS

In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:

• slippery road surface and possible formation of surface water;
• Possibility of rapid flooding in urban areas, due to the accumulation of rainwater or insufficient drainage systems;
• Possibility of flooding by transhipment of water lines in historically more vulnerable areas;
• Floods of underground urban structures with drainage deficiencies;
• Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in historically more vulnerable areas;
• Possible accidents in historically flooded areas;
• Geomorphological phenomena caused by unstable slopes associated with soil saturation, by the loss of their consistency
• Obstruction of roadways by falling trees, landslides or landslides, stones or other structures;

 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The ANPC reminds peoples that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized, especially through the adoption of appropriate behaviour, and therefore, and in particular in the most vulnerable areas, it is recommended to observe and disseminate the main self-protection measures for these situations, namely:

• Ensure clearing of rainwater drainage systems and removal of aggregates and other objects that may be dragged or obstruct the free flow of water;
• Do not cross flooded areas, so as to prevent the entrainment of persons or vehicles to holes in the pavement or open sewage boxes;
• Adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible formation of surface water on the roads;
• Remove agricultural, industrial, vehicle and other property from confined areas, normally flooded;
• placing animals in safe places, removing herds from areas likely to be flooded;
• Be alert to meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications, developing the necessary actions for your protection, family and property.