NATIONAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL PROTECTION · WEDNESDAY, 10 JANUARY 2018

1. SITUATION

Following the contact with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) held today, January 9, by the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC), a worsening of conditions in the next few hours, with the most critical period being expected between 08:00 hrs on 10^th January and 08:00 hrs on 11^th January.

We highlight the following:

Intensification of precipitation (especially in the north coast) reaching 20 mm in 12 hours (in the period of 09:00 hrs and 21:00 hrs on 10th to the north of the Montejunto / Estrela mountain system, not excluding the possibility of hail falling on the north coast, as well as the occurrence of fog, ice or frost in the north and central interior areas (Montemuro and part of the Estrela);

Snowfall in the period between 15:00 and 21:00 hrs from 10 Jan, from above 1000/1200 meters, in the districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu and Guarda and, with special intensity, in the mountains of the region North (Padrela, Marão, Montemuro and part of the Serra da Estrela);

Strong winds with gusts up to 65 km / h, on the north and central areas, reaching 85 km / h in the highlands.

Northwest wave with a height of 4/5 meters, along the west coast, from the morning of 10 Jan and by the end of the afternoon of 11 Jan, which can increase to 5/6 meters (maximum height up to 10 meters) during the afternoon of 10 JAN and the morning of 11 Jan, in the districts north of Cabo Raso (Viana do Castelo, Braga, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria and Lisbon).

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.