Storm Charles paralyzes Portugal, more than 200 flights canceled

Portugal has been hit by heavy rain and strong winds, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights. Schools suspended classes because of the severe weather, while hundreds of supermarkets and businesses halted operations.

Authorities activated emergency services and military units to help deal with the situation. Non-essential public services were also closed, and residents were urged to stay at home.

The decision to take these measures came amid criticism of the government for its slow response to storms in January and February. However, Storm Charles proved weaker than initially forecast.

Portugal’s weather agency, IPMA, said the storm’s eye split in two over the Atlantic Ocean. This caused it to weaken before the system reached the Algarve in southern Portugal. Despite the weakening, forecasts indicated that Charles would affect most of the country’s south and the Lisbon area.

Civil Protection Chief Mario Silvestre said the alert level was high because of the threat of flash floods, strong winds and large waves. By midnight, authorities had recorded 538 incidents.

The storm had earlier affected the Madeira archipelago, causing floods and bringing down trees. Emergency crews rescued a man who was swept away by the current after his garage flooded. No casualties were reported.

Portugal and Spain have been facing severe weather for several days. Both countries have been hit since Sunday by heavy rain brought by Storm Bruna, which has caused flooding in various areas. In Lisbon, several road tunnels remained mostly closed today.

Meanwhile, Storm Charles was expected to move toward southwestern Spain during the afternoon. Spain’s weather agency, AEMET, warned of potentially serious or very serious consequences from heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas. Authorities fear the situation could further worsen conditions caused by Storm Bruna.

In central Spain, an evacuation order remained in effect in the Piedralaves area. On Tuesday, more than 3,000 residents left their homes because of the risk of a local dam overflowing. Residents have also been warned that rainfall is expected to intensify in the coming hours.