Warnings of torrential rain, floods and high seas

tornadovilamouraThe National Civil Protection Authority today warned Portugal’s public of the coming bad weather, expected until at least Sunday.
Ice, floods and falling trees, high winds and torrential rain are expected, depending where you live in Portugal.
 
In a severe weather warning to the population, Civil Protection warns of strong and persistent rain throughout the country from Friday at dawn until Sunday. The areas that will be worst hit are Minho and Douro Litoral, with Vila Real, Viseu and Aveiro also warned of the coming storm.
 
Rainfall of 40-60 mm in a 12-hour period, between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Friday, may be a welcome boost to the country’s reservoirs but will not be a pleasant experience for drivers, farmers and anyone else who has to venture outside.
 
According to the Portuguese weather service (IPMA), moderate to strong wind is expected, building to 85 kmpm on the coast, and up to 110 kmph on higher ground.
 
The Algarve gets a special mention as a repeat of the two recent tornados is on the cards, couched in the expression “extreme wind events.”
 
The sea around the country will have waves of 4 to 5 metres, starting at 6:00 pm on Friday.
 
On Sunday, the sea is expected get worse with waves exceeding 7 metres on the west coast, with maximum peaks of 14 metres.
 
Expect slippery road conditions and flooded roads, flooding in urban areas and the flooding of many fields along with falling branches and uprooted trees as well as more damage to cliffs.
 
The National Civil Protection Authority reiterates its earlier warning that people must steer clear of coastal areas and resist the temptation for bracing cliff-top walks.