11/11/2026
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11/11/2026
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LISBON, Nov 11: Portugal closed schools and suspended nonessential public services on Wednesday as Storm Charles approached the mainland after battering the Atlantic island of Madeira with torrential rain and powerful winds.
The Portuguese government declared an alert that remained in effect until midnight, while authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from waterways, wooded areas and exposed coastal locations.
At least 222 arriving and departing flights were cancelled at Lisbon and Faro airports by Wednesday morning, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa. A further 16 flights were cancelled at Madeira Airport.
Portugal’s weather agency, IPMA, downgraded wind warnings for Lisbon, Setubal and Beja from red to orange after the storm split into two centres, reducing its expected wind intensity.
However, red warnings for heavy rainfall remained in force across parts of central and southern Portugal.
Flooding and Power Outages
Emergency authorities reported 60 weather-related incidents on mainland Portugal between midnight and early Wednesday, most involving flooding. Greater Lisbon and the Setubal Peninsula were among the worst-hit areas.
Heavy rainfall left cars partially submerged near Lisbon’s Oriente station, while electricity distributor E-Redes reported that around 2,000 customers were without power.
The Portuguese Environment Agency also warned that 101 municipalities were at risk of urban flooding.
Meanwhile, 18 harbour entrances were closed to maritime traffic on Wednesday morning.
Madeira Battered Overnight
The Atlantic island of Madeira was hit particularly hard overnight, with wind gusts exceeding 130 kilometres per hour.
More than 240 millimetres of rain fell within six hours in highland areas, according to IPMA.
Emergency services recorded 137 incidents overnight, including flooding, fallen trees and rocks blocking roads.
An 80-year-old man initially feared to have been swept away by floodwaters was found safe on Wednesday morning inside a flooded garage.
Access roads to central Funchal were temporarily closed as a precaution before reopening about 90 minutes later. Authorities, however, warned residents of the continuing risk of flooding and falling debris.
Spain Also Hit by Severe Weather
Neighbouring Spain was also facing severe weather conditions.
Around 3,000 residents of Piedralaves in Avila province remained evacuated amid concerns that the Horcajo dam might not withstand the expected heavy rainfall.
Parts of the Extremadura region and Avila province remained under red alerts for heavy rain until the end of Wednesday, while large areas of southern and eastern Spain were placed under orange warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Authorities in both Portugal and Spain continued to monitor the situation as Storm Charles moved across the Iberian Peninsula.
