INMET ISSUES WARNING FOR INTENSE STORMS BY THE WEEKEND
Lisbon, July 26, 2023 – The National Institute for Meteorology and Geophysical Activities (INMET) has issued a severe weather warning for the next few days in Portugal, predicting intense storms for the weekend.
According to the latest forecasts, a low-pressure system will move across the country, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to various regions. The worst-hit areas are expected to be the northern and central regions, where storm warnings have been issued for the cities of Porto, Braga, and Leiria.
INMET has issued a "yellow alert" for the affected areas, indicating a moderate risk of severe weather. The warning period began at 7:00 AM on Friday and will continue until 6:00 PM on Sunday.
The heavy rainfall is expected to be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h in some areas. This may cause disruptions to public transportation, road closures, and power outages. The risk of flooding is also significant, particularly in low-lying areas and along rivers and coastal regions.
INMET has also warned of the danger of isolated thunderstorms and tromba d’aire, which can bring strong downdrafts and reduce visibility.
Residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions, including:
- Staying indoors during the worst of the storm, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding
- Avoiding travel, especially by car, and using public transportation to travel
- Securing outdoor furniture, trash cans, and other items that could become projectiles in the wind
- Keeping windows and doors closed to prevent water damage
- Staying informed about the latest weather updates and following evacuation instructions if necessary
The Portuguese authorities are also working to ensure public safety, with emergency services on standby and ready to respond to any situations that may arise.
As the storm approaches, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Stay safe, Portugal!
The Brazilian National Meteorology Institute (Inmet) has issued a warning for a possible formation of a South Atlantic Ocean Convergence Zone (ZCAS) for the weekend of July 9-10. ZCAS is a meteorological phenomenon that causes heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the Center-West and Southeast regions of Brazil, typically between the end of spring and the beginning of summer.
The Inmet alert advises of strong winds, up to 100 km/h, and heavy rainfall, up to 100 mm/day, with a risk of power outages, tree branch falls, flooding, and thunderstorms. The alert is valid from July 7 to July 8.
The alert also warns of a storm system that may bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to several states, including Goiás, São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rondônia, and the Federal District, as well as parts of Tocantins, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro.
The alert is categorized as orange, indicating a high level of danger. The Brazilian Civil Defense Department has also issued an alert, advising people to take precautions and stay informed.
In São Paulo, the Inmet has issued an orange alert for the eastern part of the state, including the metropolis, Vale do Ribeira, and other regions, which may experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms. The Paulista Civil Defense Department has also warned of the risk of flooding, power outages, and lightning strikes.
In Paraná, heavy rainfall caused flooding in General Carneiro, with around 200 people forced to leave their homes.
The Inmet advises people to take precautions to protect themselves and their property, such as not seeking shelter under trees, not parking vehicles near transmission towers, and taking measures to prevent power outages. In case of emergencies, the local fire department should be contacted, and people can receive alerts through SMS or WhatsApp.
Overall, the alert is a reminder to take necessary precautions and stay informed during a potentially severe weather event.