Heavy rain and strong winds caused by Hurricane Nelson left a trail of destruction on Thursday and caused numerous incidents from the north to the south of the country and the autonomous regions. At the mouth of the Tagus, near the Vasco da Gama Bridge, in Lisbon, a tornado was recorded on video, which is now being assessed by specialists from the Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere. The strong wind phenomenon also affected Silves.
This strong wind phenomenon was also felt in the Montijo area, where it destroyed the roof and solar panels of a restaurant owned by football coach Thiago Fernandez, son of former captain Leo Manuel Fernandez. Due to the damage, the establishment will be closed indefinitely. In the same area, buildings were also demolished by strong winds and the wall of a house collapsed.
Several accidents were reported due to bad weather. The most difficult thing happened on the A13 highway in Salvaterra de Magos. As a result of the four-vehicle collision, 13 people were injured.
In the Trás-os-Montes region, in the Alvan Natural Park, Vila Real, four young people aged between 19 and 20 were rescued from hypothermia. They walked near wind farms and ended up getting lost. All four were assisted at the scene by Cruz Branca firefighters.
In Viana do Castelo, falling trees damaged a car, and in Ovar, several spectators were injured by waves. On Porto’s Castelo do Quejo beach, a 37-year-old woman was dragged into the sea and rescued by her husband, who was accompanying her. In Madeira, in Sao Vicente, the wind knocked down several structures at the football stadium, leading to the cancellation of the tournament. Between midnight and 7pm on Thursday, Civil Protection recorded 598 incidents.
Rain closes PSP in Loures
Loures PSP Police Station closed its doors yesterday following heavy rain. This was the second time in six months. The owner of the property, the Chamber of Loures, promises to carry out the work. There is no date yet for the opening of the police station. Patrols continue and complaints can be made to Santo António dos Cavaleiros. The police on duty had to purify the water.
Rain and wind are forecast until Sunday
Rain will continue until Easter Sunday, with snowfall, strong winds and rough seas expected, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere.
Flight delays and diversions at the airport
At Lisbon airport, bad weather caused delays and forced some flights to be diverted to other airports.
Serra da Estrela Neve returns
In Serra da Estrela, heavy rain melted snow below 1,600 meters above sea level. Snow is forecast to return this Friday and continue through Monday.
Viseu parks are closed
Due to the danger of falling trees, Viseu Park closed on Thursday. The same thing happened with Fontelo, Mata do Cerrado, Quinta do Bosque and Quinta da Cruz.