A depression named Charles is moving toward Madeira. The Portuguese weather institute, IPMA, expects a significant worsening of conditions.
The worst weather is forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday, November 11. IPMA expects persistent rain, strong wind gusts and rougher seas, especially off the south coast.
IPMA Forecasts Over 100 Millimeters of Rain in 12 Hours
Rainfall could exceed 100 millimeters in just 12 hours in some parts of the region. The worst-hit areas will be the mountains.
The wind will blow from the southwest. Gusts should reach 80 to 100 km/h along the coasts, and up to 130 km/h in high ground.
Sea conditions will also worsen. IPMA forecasts southwest waves of 3.5 to 4.5 meters on the south coast.
| Measure | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Rainfall in 12 hours | Over 100 mm in mountain areas |
| Wind gusts, coasts | 80-100 km/h, from the southwest |
| Wind gusts, highlands | Up to 130 km/h |
| Sea waves, south coast | 3.5-4.5 m, from the southwest |
| Central pressure | 994 hPa |
| Warning level | Orange |
Orange Warnings Issued, With Possible Worsening Ahead
Faced with this forecast, IPMA has announced orange-level weather warnings for Madeira. The institute has not ruled out a further worsening in some areas, depending on updates to its forecast models.
Depression Centered at 994 Hectopascals, Moving East
Charles currently sits at 33 degrees north and 31 degrees west. Its central pressure is 994 hectopascals, and it is moving eastward.
By 00:00 UTC on Wednesday, forecasts place the center of the depression north of Madeira. It should then continue toward mainland Portugal, though IPMA stresses there is high uncertainty over its exact path and strength.
Mainland Portugal Faces Gusts of Up to 120 Km/h on Wednesday
On the mainland, the effects of the depression should begin from the end of Wednesday morning. Rain could be heavy at times, with gusts of 100 to 120 km/h, or even higher in some places.
The most likely track currently points to the depression's center passing between Sines and Cabo Carvoeiro.
Separate System Bruna Stays Put Until Friday, Day 13
IPMA has clarified that depression Bruna, which is expected to remain largely stationary northwest of the Iberian Peninsula until Friday, November 13, is an independent system from Charles. The Azores archipelago is not expected to be affected by Charles.
The institute is advising residents to follow upcoming updates, since both the forecasts and the warning levels could still change.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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