Portugal has issued red weather warnings as Storm Charles forces flight cancellations across the region.
Severe weather is forecast on Wednesday on the mainland, Madeira and Porto Santo, particularly in mountainous areas, as the storm brings heavy rain and wind gusts that could exceed 140km/h.
The arrival of Storm Charles follows rain, strong winds, and rough seas brought by Storm Bruna on 5 November.
Portugal’s weather service, Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) has issued red and orange weather rain and wind warnings for much of the mainland and Madeira on Wednesday.
Nonessential public services, courts, monuments and schools are closed on 11 November.
According to the UK Foreign Office (FCDO): “Heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions are forecast across mainland Portugal, Madeira and Porto Santo. The greatest risk is expected on Wednesday 11 November.”
The FCDO said that severe weather may cause flooding, landslides, falling trees and travel disruption, with schools and public services closed “at short notice”.
Travellers to Portugal are warned to follow the advice of local authorities, check MeteoAlarm for the latest weather warnings and check government advice on how to prepare for severe weather and stay safe.
ANA Aeroportos de Portugal said: “Weather forecasts indicate adverse conditions that may affect operations (departures and arrivals) in the coming days. Contact your airline to confirm the status of your flight before heading to the airport.”
As of Wednesday morning, 184 flights have been cancelled at Lisbon Humberto Delgado airport, 17 at Porto and 12 at Faro, per Flightradar24 data.
TAP Air Portugal said that “adverse conditions” will affect operations on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
“TAP is closely monitoring the evolution of the situation, has already made the necessary adjustments to its operations, in light of the weather forecasts already known, and will always do what is necessary to keep the safety of passengers, crews and equipment at the top of its priorities,” it added.
Passengers with tickets issued until 10 November for travel until 11 November can change their ticket for flights until 17 November free of charge.
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