More than 200 flights were canceled in Portugal on Wednesday as Storm “Charles” swept across the country. Accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, the storm also forced schools, hundreds of supermarkets, and other businesses to suspend operations.
Sea-news.az reports that although the storm proved weaker than initially forecast, the government took precautionary measures.
Following criticism over the authorities’ delayed response to a series of storms in January and February, all emergency services and military units were placed on high alert. Classes in schools were suspended, non-essential public institutions were closed, and residents were advised to stay indoors.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the cyclone over the Atlantic Ocean split into two parts, causing it to weaken before reaching the southern region of Algarve. By evening, the storm was expected to cover a large portion of southern Portugal and the Lisbon area.
According to Civil Protection chief Mário Silvestre, authorities are maintaining a high level of alert due to the risk of flash floods, strong winds, and high waves.
He reported that since midnight, emergency services had recorded 538 incidents.
