Madeira is preparing for several days of bad weather. Forecasters expect heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and rough seas. Gusts could reach 110 km/h in the mountains. Waves could reach four metres.
The Regional Civil Protection Service issued a public warning on Thursday, 5 November. It is based on forecasts from IPMA, Portugal's weather institute.
A Complex Low Centred Near the Azores Drives the Bad Weather
The cause is a frontal system linked to a complex area of low pressure. The low is centred over the Azores region. It is expected to affect Madeira until at least Monday, 9 November.
Heaviest Rain Expected From Saturday, 7 November
Showers are expected from Thursday. They will be at times heavy, with thunder, mainly on the south coast and in the mountains.
The rain could become more intense and persistent over the weekend, on 7 and 8 November. Heavy showers and thunderstorms remain possible until Monday.
Yellow Warnings Start at 12:00 on Saturday Across Madeira and Porto Santo
IPMA updated and extended its warnings on Thursday. The yellow warnings were in force from Wednesday and were due to end on Friday. They now run into Saturday and Sunday.
They now also cover the north coast and Porto Santo, as well as the south coast and the mountains of Madeira. The most critical period is expected on Saturday and early Sunday, according to DNoticias.
| Areas | Warning | From | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| South coast, mountains | Rain | Thu 5 Nov, 09:00 | Thu 5 Nov, 15:00 |
| South coast, mountains | Rain | Fri 6 Nov, 00:00 | Fri 6 Nov, 15:00 |
| North coast, south coast, Porto Santo, mountains | Rain | Sat 7 Nov, 12:00 | Sun 8 Nov, 03:00 |
| North coast, south coast, Porto Santo, mountains | Wind | Sat 7 Nov, 12:00 | Sun 8 Nov, 00:00 |
A yellow rain warning applies to all four areas from 12:00 on Saturday until 03:00 on Sunday. IPMA expects rain that is at times heavy and persistent, possibly with thunder. A yellow wind warning runs from 12:00 on Saturday until 00:00 on Sunday. It covers the north and south coasts, Porto Santo and the mountains.
The south coast and the mountains were also under rain warnings on Thursday, from 09:00 to 15:00. Another one runs on Friday, from 00:00 to 15:00. DNoticias reports that the warnings could still be raised above the current level.
Gusts of Up to 110 km/h Forecast for the Mountains
The wind is expected to grow stronger from Saturday. It will blow from the south and southwest. Gusts could reach 90 km/h on the north and south coasts of Madeira and in Porto Santo. In the mountains, they could reach 110 km/h.
The wind should slowly ease from Sunday afternoon. On Monday, gusts of up to 70 km/h are still possible in the mountains.
| Area | Wind gusts | Waves |
|---|---|---|
| South coast | 90 km/h | Up to 4 m from the southwest, 8-9 Nov |
| North coast | 90 km/h | 1-2 m from the northwest, rising to 3-4 m |
| Porto Santo | 90 km/h | n/a |
| Mountains | 110 km/h, up to 70 km/h on Monday | - |
Southwest Waves Expected on the South Coast on 8 and 9 November
Conditions at sea will also be rough. The sea is expected to get rougher from Saturday. Waves from the southwest could reach four metres on the south coast on 8 and 9 November.
On the north coast, waves from the northwest of one to two metres are expected. They should slowly grow to three to four metres. On Wednesday, Times of Madeira reported that the bad weather has cancelled Lobo Marinho trips on 7 and 8 November.
Civil Protection Lists Five Risks, From Falling Trees to Coastal Flooding
Civil Protection warns of falling trees and branches. It also warns of flooding in urban areas and problems with drainage. Walls and slopes could collapse. The sea could also wash over coastal areas.
People should avoid unnecessary travel, especially to exposed areas or areas hit by the bad weather. Drivers should drive defensively and slow down. Sheets of water could form on the roads.
The authorities also advise people to clear drains and secure loose objects. They ask for extra care near the coast, in wooded areas and in the mountains.
Civil Protection asks people to respect closures and access limits in signposted areas. It also asks them to follow weather updates and the instructions of the authorities.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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