In a preemptive measure to mitigate the impact of Atlantic storm, Charles, Portuguese authorities canceled over 300 flights and shut down schools nationwide. The storm struck on Wednesday, causing heavy rainfall and intense winds that passed without severe damage. Four international airports, supermarkets, and non-essential public services across the country were closed in preparation for the storm. For the first time in history, about 8,000 schools canceled classes due to the significant Atlantic storm forecast. The capital, Lisbon, experienced some street flooding due to clogged drains, while a national supermarket chain closed its stores and the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon called off events. By mid-afternoon, only the southern Algarve region remained on red alert, initially covering more than half of the country. The storm had previously hit the Portuguese island of Madeira with 130km/h (81mph) winds. In January, the government faced criticism for its weak response to Storm Kristin that caused widespread property damage in central Portugal. A 70-year-old man died in February after flooding swept his vehicle off a street in the southern region of Alentejo following Storm Leonardo. The crisis unit led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, along with eight government ministers and other officials, monitored the storm's progress. Interior Minister Luis Neves defended the authorities' response, claiming it was in accordance with the weather forecast.
Storm Charles moved towards Spain on Wednesday after passing through Portugal, where it caused heavy rainfall and intense winds. Authorities in Spain prepared for the storm by staging a general strike, with organizers cancelling or postponing demonstrations in some southern cities, including Cordoba, Huelva, and Cadiz. The storm is forecast to hit Spain later in the day, raising concerns about potential damage and disruptions. In Portugal, over 300 flights were cancelled, schools nationwide shut down, and hundreds of supermarkets and non-essential public services closed as a precautionary measure. The crisis unit led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro closely monitored the storm's progress, with Interior Minister Luis Neves defending the authorities' response as being in accordance with the weather forecast.
Following harsh criticism for its weak response to January's Storm Kristin that caused widespread property damage in central Portugal, Portuguese authorities took extensive precautions to prepare for the arrival of Atlantic storm, Charles. Over 300 flights were cancelled, schools nationwide shut down, and hundreds of supermarkets and non-essential public services closed as a precautionary measure on Wednesday. The national weather agency, IPMA, recorded wind gusts of more than 120km/h (75mph) in some areas. A 70-year-old man died in February after flooding swept his vehicle off a street in the southern region of Alentejo following Storm Leonardo. The crisis unit led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, along with eight government ministers and other officials, closely monitored the storm's progress to ensure a prompt response to any potential damage or disruptions. Interior Minister Luis Neves defended the authorities' response, claiming it was in accordance with the weather forecast.