Civil Defense has issued a severe weather warning for the next 48 hours in the north and center

The National Emergency Management and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) this Friday warned the population of worsening weather conditions over the next 48 hours, with strong winds and rain, rough seas and snowfall.

The warning is based on the forecast of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) for rainfall, which at times may be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, in the northern and central regions, especially in the coastal areas of Minho and Douro, strong winds, gusting up to 100 km/h, in in the highlands of the North and Center and in very rough seas, with waves ranging from six to nine meters. Snowfall is also possible at the highest points of the Serra da Estrela.

ANEPC also warns the Northern Region, based on information from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), that an increase in the volume of water in the Lima River Basin is “expected”, which will affect Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima, as well as more critical situation on the Kavado River, “with rising levels and decreasing reservoir capacity, resulting in increased flows below the confluence.”

The warnings apply to the Ave river basin with increased inflows into Santo Tirso, while in the Douro basin inflows remain high in the Tamega sub-basin (with impacts on Amarante) and on the Douro and Vouga rivers. possible inflow into the Ribeiradio Dam.

In the Mondego River basin, inflows from the Alto Seira, Raiva and Fronhas and Coimbra reservoirs are expected to increase, while in urban basins, and in particular those affected by tidal influences, the possibility of historical flooding cannot be ruled out. vulnerable areas, ANEPC also warns.

Civil Defense says flooding is expected in urban areas due to the accumulation of rainwater due to clogged drainage systems, as well as flooding exacerbated by the overflow of some watercourses, rivers and streams.

It also warns of slope instability, landslides, landslides and others caused by water infiltration, a phenomenon that can be exacerbated by the removal of vegetation cover after rural fires or artificial cultivation of the soil, as well as contamination of drinking water sources.

ANEPC also cautions against dragging loose objects onto the roadway or detaching mobile or loose structures due to high winds, which could result in accidents with moving vehicles or passersby on public roads.

Civil Protection urges the public to unblock rainwater drainage systems and remove inert materials and other objects that may become entangled or obstruct the free flow of water, and to ensure adequate support for loose structures, namely scaffolding, signs and other suspended structures, and take special care when traveling and staying near forested areas.