Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Hurricanes Impacting Portugal and the USA

Weather Warnings Across Portugal

Many Portuguese citizens received urgent messages warning them about heavy rain and strong winds expected in their regions. The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a yellow warning for districts like Viseu, Porto, and Braga due to persistent rainfall until 9 PM today.

Upcoming Weather Alerts

On Saturday, further yellow warnings will affect Évora, Faro, and Lisbon from 3 AM to 3 PM due to the potential for heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. As the Civil Protection points out, these weather conditions are typical of transitional seasons, leading to several consequences:

• Flooding in urban areas due to blocked drainage systems.
• River overflow causing widespread flooding.
• Landslides due to unstable slopes, exacerbated by previous wildfires.
• Contamination of drinking water sources from debris.
• Road hazards from wind-damaged objects causing accidents.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the impact of these weather events, residents should:

• Ensure drainage systems are clear of debris.
• Secure loose structures such as scaffolding and signs.
• Exercise caution near wooded areas due to falling branches.
• Practice defensive driving to avoid waterlogged roads.
• Avoid flooded areas to prevent accidents.
• Stay updated with weather forecasts and safety information.

Hurricane Milton Strikes the USA

The severe weather is not confined to Portugal. In recent days, Hurricane Milton has wreaked havoc in the USA, causing at least 16 fatalities in Florida. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall with winds reaching 193 km/h, later weakening to a Category 1 storm.

Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations have saved at least 340 people and 49 pets. A notable incident involved a Coast Guard helicopter rescuing a man who was floating 48 km off the coast of Florida on a fishing cooler after his boat became disabled. He was later hospitalized for treatment.

Milton marks the fifth hurricane to hit the US this year and the third to affect Florida, following Hurricane Helene, which was one of the deadliest in the last 50 years, second only to Hurricane Katrina.