World · Europe · 39 mins ago
Portugal to close schools as Storm Charles brings severe weather threat
Portugal will close schools and non-essential public services on Wednesday as Storm Charles approaches.
The government has urged people to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
The storm could bring torrential rain and winds above 150 kph, raising concerns about flooding and damage.
Red weather warnings cover eight regions, including Lisbon, and emergency services and army units are on alert.
Authorities warn of flooding, falling trees and possible power or communications cuts as conditions worsen.
Portugal and neighbouring Spain have already faced heavy rain from Storm Bruna since Sunday, and storms earlier this year caused widespread damage across the Iberian peninsula.
Storm Charles is expected to affect Madeira first, then mainland Portugal on Wednesday, and authorities have urged people to follow official instructions.
Portugal ordered schools and non-essential public services to close on Wednesday as Storm Charles approached.
Authorities urged people to stay indoors and prepared emergency services for severe weather.
Eight districts, including Lisbon, were under the highest-level red weather alert.
Forecasts warned of heavy rain and powerful winds, with reports giving gust speeds of up to 140 or 150 kph.
The storm was expected to pass Madeira on Tuesday before reaching mainland Portugal on Wednesday morning.
- Who
- Portugal’s government and emergency authorities are preparing for Storm Charles.
- What
- Schools and non-essential public services will close, and people have been urged to stay indoors.
- When
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026; the storm was expected to reach mainland Portugal that morning.
- Where
- Portugal, including Lisbon and Madeira.
- Why
- Storm Charles is forecast to bring severe winds and heavy rain, raising the risk of flooding and disruption.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Portugal announced school and non-essential public service closures for Wednesday and put emergency services on alert.
Storm Charles was expected to pass Madeira.
Storm Charles was expected to reach mainland Portugal.
- Weather alerts
- Red alerts in 8 districts, including Lisbon
- Forecast wind gusts
- Up to 140 kph in the Detik report; up to 150 kph in the Straits Times report
- Closures
- Schools and non-essential public services
- Web Summit
- The second day of the three-day conference was cancelled
- Expected mainland arrival
- Wednesday morning, November 11, 2026
5 sources
Sturm Charles erreicht Madeira: Erdrutsche und Flugausfälle
Portugal Tutup Sekolah dan Batalkan Konferensi Teknologi Imbas Ancaman Badai
البرتغال تغلق مدارسها وترفع التأهب مع اقتراب العاصفة «تشارلز»
Las borrascas Bruna y Charles obligan a suspender las clases este miércoles en varias provincias de España
Portugal braces for Storm Charles; to shut schools, ready rescue teams
What people are saying
Anyone who can should stay at home.
There will be very tough moments when rescue efforts will be needed.
Do not underestimate the danger and risks associated with this extreme weather event.