Storm Martinho Leaves Portugal Under Yellow Rain Alert: What You Need to Know

Storm Martinho's Impact on Portugal

The worst is over, but Portugal remains on alert until Saturday due to the effects of the Martinho depression, which has brought strong winds, rain, and rough seas. The continental territory was under an orange warning on Wednesday night due to high winds, with a gradual improvement expected on Thursday morning and a new intensification anticipated later in the day. Currently, the Lisbon region and southern Portugal are under a yellow alert for precipitation until 6 PM on Thursday.

Paula Leitão, a meteorologist from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), stated, "The depression will continue to affect mainland Portugal on Thursday, Friday, and even Saturday. Only on Saturday will its influence start to diminish. The situation in the northern and central regions will improve today, but activity will increase in the southern region."

Over 4,000 incidents related to the bad weather were recorded in mainland Portugal between midnight and 7 AM, most involving fallen trees and structures, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC). Winds are expected to intensify at least until early Friday morning.

For the southern region, civil protection services warn of a new worsening of weather conditions this afternoon, though not as severe as the previous night. "It won't have the intensity of what occurred Wednesday night; in this sense, we can say the worst is over, but we will maintain meteorological vigilance. It's essential to stay updated with civil protection information," warns Paula Leitão.

The IPMA has issued yellow warnings for Algarve today, predicting rain, sometimes heavy, which could include hail and thunderstorms, with wind gusts up to 75 km/h, especially along the coast and in the mountains.

Maritime Bars Closure

The strong waves have led to the closure of 18 maritime bars, primarily in northern and southern Portugal, according to the Navy's website. Closed bars include Caminha, Douro, Esposende, Vila Praia de Âncora, Póvoa do Varzim, Vila do Conde, Portinho da Ericeira, Peniche, and São Martinho do Porto. In the southern region, bars in Albufeira, Alvor, Vila Real de Santo António, Faro, Lagos, Olhão, Quarteira, Tavira, and Vila Moura are also closed. Currently, 25 bars are open and four are under restrictions.