Lisbon, March 6, 2025 (Lusa) - The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned the population on Thursday of the possibility of flooding and accidents due to the worsening weather forecast for mainland Portugal over the next few days.

In a statement, ANEPC said that the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) is forecasting rain, sometimes heavy, hail and thunderstorms, wind, ‘with gusts of up to 85 kilometres per hour on the coast and up to 100 km/h in the highlands’, rough seas on the ~western coast, with waves of up to five metres, and snowfall in the highest points of the Serra da Estrela on Friday, which may spread to lower areas from Saturday.

The bad weather could cause flooding in urban areas, flooding, also due to rivers and streams overflowing and landslides, as well as road accidents, as a result of slippery surfaces, surface water, the accumulation of ice and/or snow or objects dragged onto the roads, and ‘thermal discomfort in the population due to the increased intensity of the wind’, it warned.

The ANEPC said that these effects could be minimised. It recommended clearing water drainage systems, securing loose structures, and taking special care when driving, especially along the coastline and riverside areas and in areas affected by snow.

Civil Protection also asked the population to pay attention to the meteorological information and the indications of the ANEPC and the police forces.

PAL/ADB // ADB.

Lusa