Storm in Portugal is reported by people from Paraíba with apprehension; winds can reach up to 140 km: 'canals ordered to stock up on food'

A storm in Portugal could have winds of up to 140 km/h in the coming days, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). An alert situation was issued by the Portuguese government and comes into effect from Wednesday (11). g1 interviewed a man from Paraíba who lives in Lisbon, who reported apprehension and also the recommendations of the Portuguese authorities regarding the climate event.

"Storm Charles", as it became known, imposed the closure of schools and non-essential public services, in addition to the suspension of outdoor activities and the closure of parks, forests and gardens from the date of the government decree.

The student, born in Matal, in the interior of Paraíba, Samuel Gualberto, is studying a master's degree in psychology at the University of Lisbon. He lives with two other people from Paraíba, from João Pessoa, and also someone from Fortaleza, Ceará.

"Other channels have recommended stocking up on some food and several services that are not essential have also warned that they will be closed during Wednesday. For example, the Academy (university) sent us an email saying that it would not be open during Wednesday", he highlighted.

Samuel also said that he received, on his cell phone, alerts from the Portuguese Civil Defense about the weather conditions that will affect the country. The recommendation is that residents not leave their homes. See the image below.

Portuguese government sent warning about storm in Portugal to inhabitants – Photo: Personal archive/Samuel Gualberto

Regarding the feeling faced with the danger of the storm, Samuel highlighted a scenario of "uncertainty". He also credited this to the fact that he had only recently lived in Portugal. Samuel mentioned that Portuguese acquaintances seem very concerned about the situation, despite being used to previous episodes.

"So, we've also been here for a short time. But, it's a feeling of uncertainty. We don't know what to expect. From the reports we have from other people, it could actually happen that there are very strong winds that knock down trees, that tear down street signs, but they didn't report having experienced a power outage for many hours, a very long time. We realize that there are some Portuguese colleagues who, yes, are very worried about this", he reported.

The man from Paraíba highlighted, however, that he lives in a "high" neighborhood in Lisbon and that he does not expect such considerable disturbances there, precisely due to this location.

Storm in Portugal with winds of 140 km/h

Illustrative image of another Hinnamnor cyclone/iclone — Photo: Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies

Storm Charles is an intense extratropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean and advances rapidly towards the European continent, causing a sharp drop in atmospheric pressure.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicts a scenario of intense rain and strong winds, especially in the Central and Southern regions of Portugal. Wind gusts could reach 140 km/h, with the possibility of even higher speeds.

According to forecasts, the center of the low pressure area is expected to enter the continental territory through the Greater Lisbon region, although there is still uncertainty regarding its trajectory.

Eight districts are under red warning, the maximum level of meteorological alert: Leiria, Santarém, Lisbon, Setúbal, Portalegre, Évora, Beja and Faro.

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) warned of the risk of flooding in 101 municipalities, due to the high volume of rain predicted.