Severe Weather Warning: Portugal Braces for Waves Up to 11 Meters and Strong Winds

Authorities Issue Warning for Coastal Dangers

The National Maritime Authority (AMN) and the Navy have issued a warning this morning regarding a "considerable worsening" of weather conditions, particularly concerning maritime agitation, from 6 PM this Friday until 6 PM Saturday.

According to the AMN, the waves are expected to originate from the west-northwest, with significant heights reaching up to 6 meters and maximum heights of 11 meters, accompanied by an average wave period of 11 to 12 seconds.

Wind Forecasts

Forecasts also indicate winds coming from the west-northwest with an average intensity of up to 75 km/h, and gusts reaching up to 135 km/h. Authorities have advised the fishing community and recreational boaters at sea to consider returning to the nearest safe harbor and to take precautionary measures.

Safety Recommendations

Due to the anticipated bad weather, authorities urge for:

• Reinforcement of mooring and surveillance of docked and anchored vessels.
• Mariners to maintain a constant state of vigilance and keep track of the evolving weather situation.

The general public is advised against strolling along the coastline and beaches, as well as engaging in activities in areas exposed to maritime agitation or affected by breaking waves.

In particular, access to and presence near cliffs and steep areas should be avoided, as it is crucial to adopt a preventive attitude, minimizing unnecessary exposure to risk. However, if there is an absolute need to approach the coastline, individuals should remain vigilant, bearing in mind that under these conditions, the sea can easily reach seemingly safe areas.

Weather Warnings and Alerts

Several districts in mainland Portugal will remain under yellow and orange alerts today due to heavy rain, strong winds, maritime agitation, and snowfall, effective at least until Saturday, as per the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

The forecast of maritime agitation has prompted the IPMA to issue an orange warning for the districts of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga from midnight Saturday to midnight Sunday, transitioning to yellow afterward.

The warnings also extend to the districts of Faro, Setúbal, and Beja until 6 AM Sunday due to maritime agitation. Due to strong agitation, 17 maritime bars on the mainland are closed to all navigation, with the bars in Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Viana do Castelo, and Portimão being restricted, according to the National Maritime Authority.