Floods, landslides and fallen trees: firefighters respond to several incidents in Madeira
The Bruna depression caused 210 incidents in Madeira by 21:00 on Sunday 8 November 2026, resulting in nine people being displaced. Over 500 emergency personnel were mobilized to address issues including flooding, landslides, and fallen trees.
Why it matters
If you are in Madeira, expect potential travel disruptions and hazards from landslides or flooding as emergency services continue to respond to the aftermath of the storm.
Your quick shot of what's changing in Portugal and affecting your status, your home, your money, and whatever might disrupt your day. Short and clear updates, gathered from Portuguese sources.
Depression Bruna has affected Madeira, leading to 111 recorded incidents between 8:00 on Saturday 7 November and 23:00 on Saturday 7 November, primarily flooding and fallen trees. Funchal recorded the highest number of incidents with 55, and a family of five was displaced in Santa Cruz due to a flooded home.
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.
Between 08:00 on Saturday 7 November and 10:00 on Sunday 8 November, 145 incidents were recorded in Madeira, including 50 downed trees, 35 floods, and 20 road clearance operations. Several roads remain closed or restricted in Funchal and Câmara de Lobos, and all classified pedestrian trails are closed. The Port of Funchal has extended warnings for strong wind and rough seas until 06:00 on Monday 9 November.