Civil protection warns the public about rain and strong winds

This Friday, Civil Protection warned the public about worsening weather conditions over the weekend, rain, strong winds and rough seas, recommending preventive measures to be taken.

Based on information from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) is warning of precipitation on Saturday, sometimes heavy and prolonged.

Rain will fall on the coast north of Cabo Mondego, with the most critical period between 03:00 and 12:00, with accumulated values ​​of 50 to 70 mm/12 hours, especially in Minho, and 30 to 50 mm. / 12 hours on the Douro coast, followed by showers in the afternoon in the northern and central regions (up to 30-40 mm / 12 hours).

It also warns of the possibility of snowfall at the highest points of the Serra da Estrela.

Rainfall is also forecast on Sunday, sometimes heavy and prolonged, on the coast north of Cape Mondego, with the most critical period between 09:00 and 15:00 with an accumulation of 50 to 70 mm/12 hours, especially in Migno and in the Vila- Real, 30 to 50 mm/12 h, especially along the Douro coast, changing to afternoon showers in northern and central regions, with accumulations of 30 to 50 mm/12 h.

ANEPC also warns that strong southwesterly winds up to 50 km/h are expected in the next 48 hours on the western coastal strip and in the highlands with gusts up to 80 km/h, especially on the northern coast. , gradually turning west towards noon.

Forecasts also point to heavy seas on the west coast, with waves from the northwest reaching five to six meters, with a maximum height of 11 meters from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday.

In the same note, ANEPC warns that, based on information from the Portuguese Environmental Protection Agency, there will be an increase in the flow of several river basins in the next 48 hours, especially in the north and center of the country, which could “cause flooding”. in coastal areas and areas of historically vulnerable urban areas.

This forecast includes the hydrographic basins of the Minho River with the possibility of flooding in Caminha, Monsana and Valença, in the Lima River and in the sub-basins of the Vez, Cavado and Omem, Ave, Douro, Vuga and Mondego rivers. .

Based on forecasts, Civil Protection warns of floods in urban areas caused by the accumulation of rainwater due to clogged drainage systems, floods enhanced by the flooding of the channel of some watercourses, rivers and streams.

It also warns of landslides and seepage landslides, which can be exacerbated by the removal of vegetation from rural fires or artificial tillage, as well as the dragging of loose objects onto the roadway or the tearing off of mobile or defective fixed structures. due to strong wind.

Another warning concerns the forecast of slippery road surfaces and the formation of groundwater.

Civil Protection recommends that the public clean drainage systems of rainwater and remove aggregates and other objects that may drag on or obstruct the free flow of water.