- SITUATION
Meteorological situation:
Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), held today at the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) National Relief Operations Command centre (CNOS), and according to the available meteorological information, for the next 24 hours, a worsening of the meteorological conditions in expected, emphasizing:
- Periods of rain, which can be locally strong (between 10 and 20 mm in an hour), gradually passing from north to south from the morning, with downpours that may be locally intense, occasionally accompanied by hail and thunderstorms, less frequent from the late afternoon;
- Possibility of snowfall above 1,500 meters of altitude, gradually descending to 800/1000 meters in the North and Centre regions;
- Moderate southwest wind, blowing strong (up to 45 km/h) and bursts up to 70 km/h, turning northwest from the morning. In the highlands, strong southwest wind, sometimes with gusts up to 90 km / h, running northwest from the morning;
- Rough seas on the west coast (with northwest waves 4-5 meters), a situation that will remain during the weekend;
- Decrease in temperature, being in particular minimum temperatures in the North and Centre regions.
Follow the weather forecasts on www.ipma.pt
- EXPECTED AFFECTS
In view of the situation described above, the following effects may occur:
- Slippery road surface and possible formation of water and ice patches;
- 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;
- Damage to mounted or suspended structures;
- Drainage problems in urban systems, especially those occurring during periods of high tide, and may cause flooding in historically more vulnerable areas;
- Possibility of falling branches or trees due to strong wind;
- Possible coastal shoreline accidents;
- Geomorphological incidents caused by instability of slopes associated with soil saturation, due to loss of consistency.
- PREVENTIVE MEASURES
The ANPC reminds people that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized, especially through the adoption of appropriate behaviours. Therefore, and especially 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 may obstruct the free flow of water;
– To adopt a defensive driving, reducing the speed and taking special care with the possible accumulation of snow and formation of water patches on roadways;
– Do not cross flooded areas, so as to prevent persons or vehicles falling into holes in the pavement or open sewage boxes;
– Carry snow chains on the vehicles, whenever you move in areas affected by snowfall;
– Ensure adequate fixing of loose structures, namely scaffolding, placards and other suspended structures;
– Take special care near or in wooded areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees, due to a strong winds;
– Take special care in along the coast and riverside areas historically more vulnerable to coastal gullies, avoiding if possible visiting or staying in these places;
– Do not engage in activities related to the sea, namely sport fishing, water sports and walks by the sea, avoiding the parking of vehicles very close to the seafront;
– Be aware of meteorological information and Civil Protection and Security Forces indications.
Translated by Safe Communities Portugal