The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned this Tuesday, February 3, about the significant worsening of weather conditions in mainland Portugal, due to the passage of the Leonardo depression, which is expected to cause intense and persistent rain, strong wind, sea agitation and snowfall in the coming days, in a weather situation that is expected to be more severe until Thursday (5). The situation increases the risk of flooding, especially in historically more vulnerable river basins.
In a notice to the population published this afternoon, Civil Protection says that, according to hydrological information from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), several rivers present conditions for rapid increases in flow, with the possibility of overflow and flooding in urban and riverside areas. There are more than 50 municipalities marked as being at high risk of flooding, from north to south of the country.
Civil Protection calls on the population to monitor the evolution of the situation and adopt preventive behaviors, especially in municipalities identified as being at risk or in a situation of reinforced surveillance.
See which municipalities are at risk:
Tuesday, February 3
River basins and municipalities potentially affected by river floods:
-: Albergaria-a-Velha, Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Mira, Murtosa, Ovar, Vagos and Cantanhede;
– : Águeda;
– : Cantanhede, Coimbra, Condeixa-a-Nova, Figueira da Foz, Miranda do Corvo, Montemor-o-Velho, Soure;
– : Leiria
– : Abrantes, Almeirim, Alpiarça, Azambuja, Benavente, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Constância, Coruche, Entroncamento, Gavião, Golegã, Mação, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarém, Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Nova da Barquinha;
– : Coruche, Benavente;
– : Alcácer do Sal, Santiago do Cacém – with higher than usual flows, danger for all human activities carried out on the riverbed and potential danger for those carried out on the banks and areas that are flooded
River basins and municipalities under surveillance:
– : Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima
– : Braga; Barcelona; Vila Verde
– Santo Tirso, Trofa; Vila Nova de Famalicão
– : Gondomar, Porto; Vila Nova de Gaia; Lamego; Ruler Weight
-: Chaves, Amarante – an increase in flow above the pre-expected level may occur. It is recommended to monitor the hydrological situation.
Wednesday and Thursday, February 4th and 5th
High risk of flooding:
: Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima
: Braga; Barcelona; Vila Verde; Esposende
: Santo Tirso, Trofa; Vila Nova de Famalicão
: Gondomar, Porto; Vila Nova de Gaia; Lamego; Ruler Weight
: Chaves, Amarante
: Albergaria-a-Velha, Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Mira, Murtosa, Ovar, Vagos and Cantanhede
: Águeda
: Cantanhede, Coimbra, Condeixa-a-Nova, Figueira da Foz, Miranda do Corvo, Montemor-o-Velho, Soure
: Abrantes, Almeirim, Alpiarça, Azambuja, Benavente, Cartaxo, Chamusca, Constância, Coruche, Entroncamento, Gavião, Golegã, Mação, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarém, Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Nova da Barquinha
: Coruche, Benavente
Expected effects
Civil Protection warns of a range of possible consequences due to bad weather, such as the risk of urban flooding due to the accumulation of rainwater and obstruction of drainage systems; floods due to the overflow of rivers and streams; landslides and landslides in unstable areas; slippery road surface, with sheets of water, ice or snow; increased risk on the coast due to strong sea disturbances; falling objects and loose structures caused by strong wind; or the thermal discomfort associated with the intensification of the wind.
Prevention measures
Among the recommendations issued by Civil Protection are the unblocking of rainwater drains and removal of loose objects; fix structures, scaffolding and outdoor furniture; avoid circulation and parking near trees and riverside areas; do not cross flooded areas, on foot or by vehicle; avoid activities near the sea and on the coast; drive cautiously and reduce speed, as well as follow weather forecasts and comply with Civil Protection instructions.
ANEPC reinforces that the adoption of these measures can significantly reduce the impacts of adverse weather conditions forecast for the coming days.
You can consult the complete Civil Protection recommendations at this link:
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