Storm Charles puts Portugal on alert, closes schools and cuts bridge speed limits

Alert and closures

Portugal's mainland is on alert until 23:59 on Wednesday, 11 November, as the depression Charles crosses the country. The government ordered schools and non-essential public services closed in every district. The Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued several red warnings for rain and wind, and said the depression had changed character on its way to the mainland. Wind strength and gusts were easing by the morning, but heavy precipitation is still forecast. Greater Lisbon and the Setúbal Peninsula were the hardest hit overnight, mainly by flooding, while Faro district remained the only area under red warnings for both rain and wind.

Madeira and air travel

On Madeira, the storm's effects were felt during the early hours and the morning of Wednesday. The storm caused about 200 incidents on the island overnight, mostly floods, fallen trees and landslides. More than three hundred flights were cancelled at Lisbon, Faro, Madeira and Porto. The cancellations came on the same day as the school and public service closures on the mainland.

Bridges and road travel

Lusoponte, the private company that runs the Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril bridges over the Tagus, reduced the speed limits from 11:30. The Vasco da Gama limit fell to 80 km/h from 100 km/h, and the 25 de Abril limit to 60 km/h from 70 km/h, the limits in force since 07:30. The measures were agreed with Civil Protection, the GNR and the PSP because of rain and reduced visibility. The company's statement singled out two groups of road users.

“The circulation of motorcycles, vehicles with canvas roofs and other vehicles equally susceptible to wind action is strongly discouraged on both crossings.”

Lusoponte said it could adopt new measures at any time.

Economic outlook

PÚBLICO calls a sharp but temporary fall in activity the probable scenario. Banco de Portugal's daily economic activity indicator (DEI), which compares each day with the same day a year earlier, is likely to turn negative on Wednesday, 11 November, as card purchases, heavy-vehicle traffic and energy use drop. Data for that day will only be known in about a week. The paper noted that a blackout, a general strike and the Kristin episode each caused strong but short-lived falls over the past two years. Pingo Doce stores on the mainland have also closed their customer service counters.

Parents and work

The closures raised doubts among parents about missing work. Lawyer and parental rights consultant Marta Esteves told SIC Notícias that workers with minor children may stay home even without an instruction from their employer.

“Parents have the right and also the legal duty to stay at home with their children. Therefore, their absences from work have a legal basis.”

She says such absences are justified and paid by the employer, since parents cannot leave minors alone at home. One restriction applies: both parents cannot be absent for the same reason.

Helping children cope

Psychologist Vera de Melo has set out seven strategies for calming children during the storm, noting that they may recall earlier frightening episodes.

“Some children, when they hear the wind hitting the windows, are not just hearing a storm. They are remembering another one.”

Her first tip is to avoid answering fear with "don't be afraid" and instead help the child name the feeling. Validating the emotion does not confirm that danger is imminent, but it shows the child that the feeling is understood.