Porto, Feb. 6, 2026 (Lusa) - The Douro River Authority has changed the flood alert from orange to red, with navigation on the river now prohibited and specific restrictive measures from municipal intervention plans activated, the deputy commander said on Friday.
"We have changed from orange to red, which means that we are now facing the likelihood of imminent flooding. This means that some areas that had not yet been affected by the water have now begun to be affected in a different way, and it also allows other agents to take certain measures," explained Pedro Cervaens.
Among the measures provided for in this red alert, the highest level, is the ban on navigation for all ships and vessels on the River Douro, to be implemented by the Porto Authority of Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo (APDL).
Speaking to the Lusa news agency at around 7:30 a.m., the deputy commander of the Douro Port Authority said that navigation is only permitted in exceptional circumstances, i.e., "if necessary for safety reasons."
"The municipalities, within the scope of their prior intervention plans, also coordinated with these alerts and also implement other measures. As long as the flow remains like this for a significant period, we will maintain the red alert for the River Douro," he said.
Among the possible measures, "more restrictive conditions" may be implemented.
The River Douro burst its banks early this morning into Porto and Nova de Gaia, with water entering the terrace area.
At around 6:30 a.m., in a statement to the Lusa news agency, the Douro River Authority reported that "the river rose to 6.15 metres at Cais dos Banhos [reference area], passing the Ribeira [Porto] and Afurada [Gaia] quays".
"It is close to the terraces, but we have no information on any significant incidents," said Pedro Cervaens.
Ten districts of mainland Portugal, the north coast of Madeira and Porto Santo are under an orange warning on Friday, the second most serious, because of rough seas, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA).
According to the IPMA, due to rough seas, the north coast of Madeira and Porto Santo are under an orange warning until 3 p.m. today, a level in force until 12 p.m. on Saturday in the districts of Viana do Castelo, Porto and Beja.
Portugal is experiencing the effects of Storm Leonardo, with persistent, at times heavy, rain.
Twelve people have died in the country since last week following the passage of the Kristin and Leonardo depressions, which also caused several hundred injuries and displaced people.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cutting of power, water and communications are the main material consequences of the storm.
The Central, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, and Alentejo regions are the most affected.
The government has extended the state of emergency until 15 February, covering 68 municipalities, which will benefit from support measures worth up to €2.5 billion.
PFT/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
