Storm Charles: gusts of up to 120 km/h in Lisbon and the south on Wednesday. Orange warnings in nine districts and Madeira
The weather service IPMA has raised its warnings for the next two days as a new storm, Charles, heads for Portugal. Nine mainland districts and Madeira have been placed under an orange warning, the second of three levels (IPMA).
On Tuesday 10 November, from midnight to 9:00, an orange warning for persistent rain, heavy at times, will be in force in the districts of Évora, Santarém, Portalegre and Castelo Branco.
On Wednesday 11 November, from 12:00 to 21:00, the warning is for south-westerly winds with gusts of 100–120 km/h in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Leiria, Beja and Faro. IPMA expects the centre of the storm to pass somewhere between Sines and Cape Carvoeiro near Peniche. However, the track and strength of Charles are still uncertain, and the warnings may be upgraded in some districts (Notícias ao Minuto).
From midday on Wednesday, the wind in Lisbon and the south may bring down trees and blow away anything that isn't tied down, so bring flowerpots, clothes airers and balcony furniture indoors beforehand. South of Cape Carvoeiro, waves will reach 4–6 metres, so stay away from the water.
On Madeira, the orange warning runs from 21:00 on Tuesday to midday on Wednesday. More than 100 mm of rain may fall in the mountains within 12 hours; gusts will reach 100 km/h on the coast and on Porto Santo and 130 km/h in the mountains, and waves off the south coast will be 3.5–4.5 metres high. Charles will not affect the Azores.
On the mainland, a yellow warning for thunderstorms remains in force until 15:00 on Tuesday in most districts from Viana do Castelo to Setúbal. City forecasts are on our weather page.
