Severe storms in Portugal

Atlantic depressions

The most common type in Portugal. They form in the North Atlantic and hit the mainland between October and March, bringing:

• Heavy, prolonged rain (can exceed 100 mm in 24 hours)
• Strong to very strong winds (gusts above 100 km/h along the coast)
• Rough seas with waves of 6 to 12 metres
• High risk of flooding and landslides

Extratropical cyclones

Particularly intense depressions that can bring hurricane-force winds to the mainland:

• Gusts exceeding 150 km/h in extreme cases
• Can cause storm surges along the coast
• Typical duration of 12 to 36 hours
• Significant structural damage to buildings and infrastructure

Severe thunderstorms

More frequent in spring and summer, especially in the interior:

• Lightning (Portugal records thousands of strikes each year)
• Hail, sometimes with large stones
• Torrential rain over short periods (flash floods)
• Sudden strong winds (microbursts)

Tornadoes

Yes, they do occur in Portugal. They are relatively rare but can be destructive:

• Most affected areas: Alentejo, Ribatejo, and the coast
• Typically F0 to F2 on the Fujita scale
• Often associated with severe instability lines
• In 2022, an F2 tornado caused significant damage in Palmela

Strong (>75 km/h)

• Branches snap
• Difficult to walk against the wind
• Loose objects fly around
• Driving becomes difficult

Action: bring outdoor objects inside, avoid unnecessary travel.

Very strong (>100 km/h)

• Trees uprooted
• Tiles and aerials ripped off
• Damage to light structures
• Driving is dangerous

Action: stay indoors, move away from windows, do not drive.

Violent (>120 km/h)

• Widespread destruction
• Roofs torn off
• Facades damaged
• Extremely dangerous

Action: go to an interior room on the ground floor. Do not leave the building under any circumstances.

Protect your home and surroundings

• Outdoor objects: bring in or secure garden furniture, plant pots, trampolines, awnings
• Trees: prune branches near the house and power lines
• Gutters and drains: clean regularly to prevent blockages
• Tiles and windows: check condition, repair cracks or loose pieces
• Park your car: away from trees, poles, and high walls

Personal preparation

• Charge devices: phones, power banks, rechargeable torches
• Fill water containers: water supply may be cut
• Check IPMA alerts: see weather alerts
• Prepare your emergency bag: see guide
• Inform your family: agree on a plan for evacuation or communication failure scenarios
• Medication: ensure a supply for several days

If you are driving

• Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Avoid flooded areas: 15 cm of water is enough to lose control (see floods guide)
• If visibility is zero: pull over in a safe spot and turn on hazard lights
• Watch for branches and debris on the road
• Do not cross exposed bridges in high winds

If you are outdoors

• Seek solid shelter (a building, not a temporary structure)
• Avoid trees, especially eucalyptus and pine (shallow roots)
• Avoid metal structures and fencing
• Avoid hilltops and exposed areas
• Lightning: if caught in the open, crouch into the lowest position possible without lying on the ground. Avoid water, isolated trees, and metal objects

Post-storm hazards

• Fallen power lines: keep at least 10 metres away. NEVER touch them
• Check the structure of your home before entering (loose tiles, cracks, jammed doors)
• Partially fallen trees: they can collapse at any moment, keep your distance
• Flooding: water may continue to rise for hours after the rain stops

Recovery

• Document the damage: photograph everything for your insurance claim
• Clear debris carefully: wear gloves and boots, watch for nails and glass
• Check on neighbours: especially the elderly and people with reduced mobility
• Report damage: contact your local council and civil protection
• Insurance: report to your insurer within the deadline (usually 8 days in Portugal)

Storm Leslie (2018)

• Post-tropical cyclone that struck Figueira da Foz in October
• Gusts exceeding 170 km/h
• Over 300,000 people left without electricity
• Hundreds of trees uprooted and roofs damaged

Storm Elsa (2019)

• Depression Elsa hit Portugal in December
• 1 death and dozens displaced
• Severe flooding in Lisbon and the south
• Strong winds with gusts above 120 km/h

Depression Nelson (2023)

• Heavy rain in April in the north and centre
• Severe flooding in Porto and Braga
• Landslides in mountainous areas
• Hundreds of incidents in just a few hours