Portugal Reels from Storm Ingrid: Schools Closed, Travel Disrupted, Thousands Without Power
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portugal is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Ingrid, a powerful depression that swept across the mainland on Friday, January 23rd, causing widespread disruption adn prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings. The storm brought torrential rain, strong winds, and unusually low snowfall, leading to school closures, road blockages, and power outages affecting thousands of residents.
Widespread Disruption and Emergency Response
Between 4 p.m. on Thursday,January 22nd,and 5 p.m. on Friday, January 23rd, emergency services recorded a staggering 722 incidents across the country, according to data released by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC). the regions of Coimbra (89 incidents),the Metropolitan Area of Porto (83 incidents),and Greater Lisbon (71 incidents) were particularly hard hit. Falling trees and structures, road clearing operations, flooding, and landslides comprised the majority of reported issues.
Seven people were displaced by the storm – two in Alcobaça, two in Cartaxo, and three in cascais. A critically important emergency response was mobilized, with 2,476 operatives and 1,042 vehicles deployed to assist affected areas.
Red Alerts and National State of Readiness
The Portuguese Institute of the sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued red warnings – the highest level of alert – for the districts of Braga, Porto, viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu starting at midnight on Friday. In response, Civil Protection authorities placed almost the entire continental territory in a state of special readiness level 3, remaining in effect from 4 p.m. on Thursday until 11:59 p.m. on saturday, January 24th. The exception to this nationwide alert was the Central and Lower Alentejo regions.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Recognizing the severe cold, the Metropolitan of Lisboa announced that the Santa Apolónia, Oriente, and Rossio train stations would remain open overnight until early Tuesday, January 27th, to provide shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. “The measure was taken in close coordination with the Lisbon City Council,” a company source stated. the duration of this initiative remains subject to adjustment based on evolving conditions.
Flood Risk and River Basin Alerts
The Portuguese Habitat Agency (APA) cautioned of a heightened risk of flooding, particularly in the North and Center regions. Several other local roads were also affected in Alfândega da Fé and Macedo de Cavaleiros.
Train services on the Minho line were suspended at 6:40 a.m. on Friday between Walk and Valença due to a fallen tree. CP – Comboios de Portugal had previously warned of potential disruptions.The Paiva Walkways and Bridge 516 Arouca were also closed through Sunday, January 25th. Railway circulation in the Cascais Line will no longer be limited between São Pedro do Estoril and Cascais on Sunday, due to scheduled work. River transport between Almada and Lisbon was canceled due to adverse conditions, with limited service remaining between Porto Brandão and Belém.
Power Outages and Recovery Efforts
As of 8 p.m. on Friday, less than 2,000 E-Redes customers were without electricity across mainland Portugal, with the situation reportedly “normalizing.” Earlier in the day, around 3,800 customers were affected, particularly in the district of Aveiro. The electricity network had been impacted by the adverse weather,especially in the North and Center regions,including the districts of Braga,Leiria,and Porto.E-Redes had proactively activated its Crisis Action Plan to bolster resources and ensure an adequate response. At the height of the storm, approximately 20,000 customers were without power.
The events underscore the difference between short-term weather patterns and long-term climate trends. While this specific storm is a weather event, it serves as a stark reminder of how changing climate patterns are intensifying extreme weather phenomena across the globe.
