Wednesday, 11 November

Storms Bruna & Charles

Closures, power cuts, travel disruption and official warnings as the storms hit Portugal. Every update in plain English, as it happens.

Official IPMA warnings

Red rain warning in 7 districts · Tue 21:00 – Wed 18:00
Red wind warning in 9 districts · Wed 00:00 – Wed 21:00
Orange rain warning in 19 districts · Tue 21:00 – Wed 21:00
Orange wind warning in 4 districts · Tue 21:00 – Wed 21:00
Orange rough sea warning in 4 districts · Wed 12:00 – Wed 21:00

Public Services

Pingo Doce to close stores this Wednesday

Pingo Doce is closing all its stores across mainland Portugal for the entire day on Wednesday 11 November due to severe weather caused by the Charles depression. The government has also ordered the closure of schools and non-essential public services across all districts for Wednesday 11 November, with potential restrictions on air traffic and bridge closures.

Why it mattersIf you need groceries, complete your shopping today as all Pingo Doce stores will be closed on Wednesday 11 November; additionally, expect widespread disruptions to public services, schools, and transport due to the official weather alert.

Diário de Notícias· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Labor & Taxes

Justified absence without loss of pay: What happens if bad weather prevents you from going to work?

Under Article 249, number 2, letter D of the Labour Code, absences caused by circumstances beyond the employee's control—such as extreme weather preventing travel—are considered justified. Labour law experts note that while the law does not explicitly list 'storms' as a category, this interpretation holds when authorities issue alerts or advise against travel, and unlike some other justified absences, this type does not result in a loss of remuneration. Employees must inform their employer that they cannot attend work and should keep documentation, such as official weather alerts or Civil Protection warnings, as evidence for their employer.

Why it mattersIf extreme weather makes it impossible to reach your workplace, you can stay home without losing pay, provided you notify your employer and keep records of the official alerts that made travel dangerous.

CNN Portugal· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Depression Charles postpones football matches and forces indoor venues to close to the public

The government has declared a state of alert for mainland Portugal from 00:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday 11 November 2026 due to the arrival of depression Charles. The measure suspends all outdoor events, closes non-essential public services and schools, and restricts indoor sporting events to be held without spectators. Several football matches, including Champions League and European qualifier fixtures, have been postponed or rescheduled.

Why it mattersIf you are in mainland Portugal on Wednesday 11 November 2026, expect significant disruption, including the closure of schools and non-essential public services, and avoid outdoor activities due to severe weather risks such as flooding and high winds.

Observador· 22m agoRead original ↗

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Housing

Porto encampment requests postponement of meeting with the President to Friday due to depression Charles

The Porto protest group requested the postponement of a meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, 11 November, citing safety risks from the severe weather caused by depression Charles and the short notice provided by the Presidency. The group proposed rescheduling the meeting to Friday, 13 November, or alternatively to Monday, 16 November, or Tuesday, 17 November.

Why it mattersThis meeting concerns housing policy and the recent police actions during protests; its rescheduling affects the timeline for official dialogue on these issues.

Observador· 39m agoRead original ↗

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Healthcare

Charles: SNS recommends reinforcement of emergency services

The Executive Directorate of the SNS has recommended that health units assess potential staff absenteeism and reinforce resources in emergency and primary care services due to the incoming Storm Charles. The government has ordered the closure of schools and non-essential public services across all districts for Wednesday 11 November, with potential bridge closures and air traffic restrictions.

Why it mattersIf you have medical appointments or intended to visit public offices on Wednesday 11 November, expect closures and disruption; prioritize emergency health services as resource reinforcement is prioritized due to extreme weather.

Observador· 39m agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Montenegro: "Do not underestimate the risk" of storm Charles

The Prime Minister warned that the country may face difficult conditions on Wednesday 11 November due to storm Charles, with the period of greatest pressure expected in the afternoon. The Government has declared a state of alert, put emergency services on maximum readiness, and activated the CorGov crisis centre, while mandating telework for the Public Administration and advising companies to do the same.

Why it mattersIf you are in Portugal, expect severe weather on Wednesday 11 November, particularly in the afternoon; the government advises teleworking, following official guidance, and preparing for potential service or communication disruptions.

Observador· 53m agoRead original ↗

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Labor & Taxes

Government requests telework and Luís Neves declares that parents have every right to stay home with minors, what is provided by law

The government declared an alert situation across the entire mainland territory for Wednesday 11 November 2026, imposing exceptional measures such as the closure of public, private, and social sector educational establishments and non-essential public services. While the decree does not explicitly order private businesses to close or create a special justified-absence regime, the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, called for telework wherever possible and stated that parents have the right to stay home with minors. Legal experts generally recommend that employers accept justifications and pay the day, including meal allowances, when telework is not possible, pointing to the constitutional right to work in health and safety conditions. However, unions like CGTP argue that the decree merely appeals to employer comprehension without legally guaranteeing paid justified absences for travel difficulties or childcare due to school closures, demanding formal protection so workers suffer no pay cuts.

Why it mattersIf you work on Wednesday 11 November 2026, telework is requested where possible, and while schools and non-essential public services are closed, check with your employer regarding how absences for childcare or travel difficulties will be handled, as unions demand full pay protection despite legal uncertainties in the decree.

Observador· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Mobility

Traffic normal restored on the Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril bridges

Lusoponte lifted all restrictions and exceptional recommendations on the Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril bridges, returning traffic to normal. Earlier in the day, speeds were capped at 60 km/h and motorcycles and canvas-roof vehicles were discouraged due to adverse weather from depression Charles. Lusoponte warns that changing weather conditions could necessitate new measures at any moment.

Why it mattersIf you drive across the Tagus bridges in Lisbon, normal traffic flow has been restored and speed limits lifted, though you should monitor official updates in case weather conditions worsen again.

Correio da Manhã· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Lisbon Metro keeps five stations open overnight for the homeless

Five Lisbon Metro stations — Moscavide, Marquês de Pombal, Olaias, Amadora-Este, and Santa Apolónia — will remain open overnight during the next 24 hours in response to storm Charles.

Why it mattersIf you are homeless or assisting unhoused individuals in Lisbon during storm Charles, these five metro stations will remain open overnight.

CNN Portugal· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Prime Minister takes command: country closed to face storm

The Government declared an Alert Situation for the entire mainland territory, in effect from 00:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday 11 November 2026, due to the Charles depression. ANEPC raised its readiness to the maximum level and is sending over six million SMS messages urging people to stay home and drastically reduce travel, with peak intensity expected between 12:00 and 15:00 on Wednesday 11 November 2026. Mandatory remote work has been instituted for all compatible roles in Public Administration, with the private sector urged to follow, and red warnings cover all districts from Leiria southwards, with acute concern for Lisbon and Setúbal due to heavy rainfall coinciding with high tide. Courts, civil registries, and public services across the mainland have closed in-person service, with urgent medical scales and emergency services maintaining operations.

Why it mattersIf you are in mainland Portugal, a state of alert is in effect all day on Wednesday 11 November 2026, with mandatory remote work for public servants, closed registry offices and courts, and severe weather warnings requiring you to stay home and avoid all non-essential travel.

Diário de Notícias· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Fourteen incidents recorded in the first hour of red weather warning in Madeira

The Madeira Regional Government ordered the closure of schools and non-essential services until 13:00 on Wednesday 11 November, following the passage of storm Charles. The Regional Civil Protection Service recorded 14 incidents in the first hour of the red warning, including floods, fallen trees, and structural damage, engaging 30 operatives and 14 vehicles. The adverse weather has disrupted flights at Madeira International Airport with three cancellations, halted ferry services between Madeira and Porto Santo, and forced the closure of pedestrian trails, museums, and public gardens. IPMA placed the north and south coasts and mountainous regions under red warnings for heavy rain and winds with gusts up to 140 km/h until 06:00 on Wednesday 11 November, transitioning to orange thereafter.

Why it mattersIf you are in Madeira, schools and non-essential public services are closed until 13:00 on Wednesday 11 November, flights and ferry links are disrupted, and you should stay indoors and avoid travel due to severe red-warning weather.

Correio da Manhã· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Housing

Next to Web Summit: Lisbon encampment organizes debates and popular assembly

Hours after suspending activities for two days due to storm Charles, organizers announced an event at the Pavilhão de Portugal. The nearby Web Summit was denounced as a symbol of those who want Lisbon transformed into a luxury showcase where wage earners cannot afford rent.

Expresso· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Two thousand E-Redes customers without power at 19:30 due to bad weather

Approximately 2,000 customers remained without power as of 19:30 on Tuesday 10 November. Due to the worsening weather from the storm 'Charles', all E-Redes service points will be closed to the public on Wednesday 11 November; meanwhile, the government has ordered the closure of schools and non-essential public services across all districts for that day.

Why it mattersIf you are a resident, expect major disruptions on Wednesday 11 November including closed schools and public offices, and be prepared for potential power outages and transport restrictions across the country.

Correio da Manhã· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

"All caution is not enough". Civil Protection emphasizes that Greater Lisbon "will be seriously affected"

The president of Civil Protection stated that the Greater Lisbon area will be seriously affected by severe weather conditions as of today, Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Why it mattersIf you live in or are travelling through the Greater Lisbon area, expect significant disruption due to severe weather; take extra precautions and check transport status before heading out.

RTP· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Severe weather from storms Charles and Bruna leads to red warnings and emergency closures

Eight districts are under red warning due to storms Charles and Bruna, with severe wind gusts up to 120 km/h and high seas. On Wednesday 11 November, all public and private schools, non-essential public services, and courts in affected areas will be closed. Lisbon is closing tunnels, parks, and museums, and the government advises teleworking where possible.

Why it mattersIf you live in affected areas, expect significant disruption to travel, public services, and schools on Wednesday 11 November; parents required to stay home with children due to school closures have justified absences without loss of income.

RTP· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Storm Charles: Government declares state of alert with schools closed and wind gusts of over 150 km/h expected

The government has declared a state of alert from 00:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday 11 November 2026, due to the arrival of storm Charles. Measures include the closure of schools, the suspension of outdoor activities, and a recommendation for companies to offer telework, with red and orange weather warnings active across mainland districts and Madeira.

Why it mattersIf you are in the affected regions, you should stay home, avoid outdoor activities, and follow official guidance on Wednesday 11 November 2026, as the storm brings dangerous winds exceeding 150 km/h and torrential rain that may cause urban flooding.

Observador· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Local Politics

From 'invisibility' to 'total readiness', Government plays on anticipation of the storm

The government is actively positioning itself to prepare for the arrival of the Charles depression, seeking to avoid the political fallout experienced following delays in responding to the previous Kristin storm.

Why it mattersWhile this reports the government's shift toward visible storm preparedness to avoid political criticism, it does not detail specific emergency measures or instructions you need to follow at this time.

Público· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Culture

Web Summit withstands a gale of cyberattacks on debut but not the storm

The Web Summit recorded over six million cyberattacks on its opening day. Due to the risks posed by the depression 'Charles', the organization has cancelled the entire programme scheduled for Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Why it mattersIf you are attending the Web Summit, note that all events on Wednesday 11 November are cancelled due to the storm.

Público· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Over a hundred municipalities at risk of flooding

The Environment Agency (APA) has identified 101 municipalities at risk of urban flooding. Leiria has declared an alert status, and Coimbra is activating its emergency plan.

Why it mattersIf you are in the Leiria or Coimbra areas, or any of the 101 municipalities at risk, be prepared for potential flooding, follow local emergency service instructions, and avoid travel through known flood zones.

RTP· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Storm Charles: Merchants prepare for flooding

Lisbon is closing tunnels, parks, and museums and monuments from midnight, in anticipation of storm Charles. The district is under a red weather warning for Wednesday 11 November 2026.

Why it mattersIf you live or work in Lisbon, expect significant disruption to transport and public services due to tunnel and site closures, and take precautions against flooding during the red weather alert on 11 November.

RTP· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Mobility

Carris, Transtejo, and Metro de Lisboa maintain services, CP suppresses four southbound trains from Lisbon, and long-distance buses are suspended

Transport companies are preparing for the impacts of the Charles depression, resulting in the cancellation of long-distance bus services by Rede Expressos and FlixBus, alongside four CP train services from Lisbon to the south, while Carris, Transtejo, and Metro de Lisboa are currently maintaining their services.

Why it mattersIf you are traveling by long-distance bus or taking CP southbound trains from Lisbon, your service may be canceled due to the Charles depression, so check your operator before heading out.

Expresso· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Storm Charles. Montenegro guarantees the country is more prepared

The government has placed the country in a state of alert due to storm Charles and has formally requested that all residents who are able to do so remain at home.

Why it mattersYou are advised to stay home if possible, as the government has placed the country on alert due to the storm; if you must go out, expect significant disruption to travel and public services.

RTP· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Culture

Bad weather: monuments closed and shows postponed

Due to storm Charles and adverse weather, 36 museums and monuments managed by Museus e Monumentos de Portugal will be closed nationwide on Wednesday 11 November. Multiple cultural events, concerts, and book launches in Lisbon, Évora, and Funchal are cancelled or postponed, including at the Teatro Tivoli, Teatro Maria Matos, and Teatro Nacional D. Maria II.

Why it mattersIf you had plans to visit a state-run museum or monument, or had tickets for cultural events on Wednesday 11 November, check if your venue is closed or if your event has been postponed before travelling.

Público· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Labor & Taxes

Do I have a justified absence if I miss work due to Storm Charles? Yes, but there is a 'but'

Employment lawyer Gonçalo Caro explains that workers can have a justified absence during a state of alert, such as the one declared for Storm Charles, provided they can prove the impossibility of reaching their workplace due to the severe weather conditions.

Why it mattersIf you cannot reach your workplace due to extreme weather, your absence can be legally justified, but you must be able to demonstrate that the weather conditions made it impossible to attend.

CNN Portugal· 3h agoRead original ↗

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Public Services

Where will storm Charles enter mainland Portugal? The trajectory is 'unpredictable'

Storm Charles is approaching mainland Portugal, with the weather service (IPMA) warning of increased severity and an unpredictable path. The storm is expected to enter between Cabo Carvoeiro and Cabo de Sines on Wednesday 11 November, bringing strong winds of up to 140 km/h, heavy rain nationwide, and waves of 5 to 6 metres on the Algarve and Sesimbra coasts. The government has ordered the closure of all schools and non-essential public services nationwide for Wednesday 11 November, with potential bridge closures and air traffic restrictions.

Why it mattersOn Wednesday 11 November, all schools and non-essential public services are closed nationwide, and you should expect severe weather, including potential air and road travel disruptions.

CNN Portugal· 4h agoRead original ↗

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