Portugal Braces for Severe Weather: Red Alerts Issued as ‘Ingrid’ Depression Intensifies
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Portugal is facing a period of heightened weather alerts as the ‘Ingrid’ depression brings widespread disruption, including heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and significant snowfall. Authorities have mobilized substantial resources to respond to incidents and are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution.
As of 11:15 pm Thursday, the majority of reported incidents involved fallen trees – numbering 100 – alongside 89 reports of pavement cleanings and 70 instances of flooding. Additionally, 51 structure falls and 38 mass movements or slope falls have been recorded, according to a senior official at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC). Earlier in the day, between midnight and 5:30 pm, 130 weather-related incidents had already been logged.
Regional Impact and Preparedness
The Central region is currently experiencing the most significant impact, with 128 occurrences, followed by the North (116), Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (91), Alentejo (13), and the Algarve. Despite the volume of incidents, authorities report no significant injuries or major damage thus far. However, localized flooding due to river overflows is being closely monitored by municipalities.
Vila do Conde is proactively preparing for potential overflows from the Ribeira da Lage river. The coastal areas are also under alert, with conditions expected to worsen on Saturday, prompting Civil Protection to consider issuing a red alert – the highest level of warning – for the entire Portuguese coastline.
Nationwide State of Readiness and Resource Mobilization
The entire continental territory, excluding Central and Baixo Alentejo, has been placed under a special readiness level 3, effective from 4 pm Thursday through 11:59 pm Saturday. This status activates 75% of Civil Protection resources. ANEPC has mobilized approximately 1,800 operatives, supported by 215 vehicles, to address emerging needs.
The districts of Braga, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu are under a red warning for snow, beginning at midnight Friday and lasting until 9:00 am Saturday, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Travel Disruptions and School Closures
Authorities are advising against non-essential travel, particularly to coastal and mountainous regions. Schools have been closed in Boticas, Montalegre, and Manteigas due to the anticipated snowfall. A company release from Parques de Sintra-Monte da Lua (PSML) announced the closure of Castelo dos Mouros, the Convento dos Capuchos, the Chalet da Condessa d’Edlain, and access to Vila Sassetti, citing safety concerns. The parks and palaces of Pena and Monserrate, the National Palace of Sintra, and the National Palace of Queluz remain open. Sintra City Council has also closed Grande and Azenhas do Mar beaches until the morning of January 25th.
In Cascais, Estrada Nacional 9-1 near Quinta do Pisão and Lagoa Azul is temporarily closed due to road damage caused by water overtopping the lagoon. Restoration efforts are underway.
Intensifying Conditions and Rescue Concerns
The most severe period of the depression is expected Friday afternoon, leading authorities to anticipate a further increase in incident reports. “The numbers will certainly increase,” one official stated. There are concerns that snowfall could isolate some villages, potentially hindering rescue operations. The president of ANEPC, José Manuel Moura, urged citizens to refrain from traveling to coastal areas to view waves or to mountainous regions to observe the snow.
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The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are continuing to monitor conditions closely, prioritizing public safety throughout the affected regions.
