Minister of Home Affairs updates Portugal on storm situation
The Minister of Home Affairs warned that weather conditions associated with Storm Charles are expected to worsen in the Algarve from 15:30 on Wednesday 11 November 2026, bringing stronger winds and increased sea agitation. Civil Protection resources are currently concentrated across the region's coastal areas in response to the potential for significant damage.
Why it matters
If you are in the Algarve, expect deteriorating weather conditions from 15:30 on 11 November 2026, including strong winds and high seas, and follow all guidance from regional Civil Protection authorities.
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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.
A technical study by NOVA University researchers warns that residents displaced by storms in Costa da Caparica and Porto Brandão cannot safely return due to high-risk slope and mass movements. The experts recommend keeping certain zones in Azinhaga dos Formozinhos and the Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff permanently restricted or vacated, with demolitions required along parts of the cliff. Almada's mayor, Inês de Medeiros, stated that residents will not be allowed to return for safety reasons.
The Leiria region experienced approximately fifty minor incidents, such as fallen trees and localized flooding, due to depression Charles on Wednesday 11 November 2026. All schools, public services, and public transport will resume normal operations on Thursday 12 November 2026 as the weather conditions improve.