Notice No. 9/DCS/2026

Date: March 5, 2026

Time: 2:00 PM

Notice to the Public

Precipitation, Snowfall, Wind and Rough Seas –

Preventive Measures

1.SITUATION

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts, for the coming days, a worsening of the weather conditions in mainland Portugal with precipitation, strong winds, strong sea agitation and snowfall, highlighting:

• Periods of rain, sometimes heavy and occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the North and Central regions;
• Strong winds, with gusts of up to 80 km/h on the western coastal strip and in high areas, with a forecast of worsening during the morning and early afternoon of tomorrow, March 6, in the districts of Leiria and Lisbon, where gusts may reach 90 km/h on the coastal strip and mountains;
• Strong sea agitation on the west coast, with northwest waves of up to 6 meters, possibly reaching a maximum height of 11 meters;
• Snowfall in the highest points of the Serra da Estrela, with accumulations of up to 30cm above 1000 meters. Possibility of snow above 1000/1200 meters in the North, Center and Alto Alentejo regions, temporarily descending to 800/1000 meters during the night and morning of March 6th.

Meteorological information at www.ipma.pt

2.EXPECTED EFFECTS

This weather pattern, with strong winds and strong sea agitation, is expected to be more severe between the afternoon of today, March 5th, and tomorrow, March 6th, especially in the most vulnerable territories affected by Depression KRISTIN (Western Regions, Leiria and Coimbra), with the following expected:

• Dragging of structures, loose objects and detachment of poorly fixed mobile structures, due to episodes of strong wind, which may cause damage to infrastructure, accidents with vehicles and people circulating on public roads;
• Possible accidents on the coast, due to strong sea agitation;
• Possibility of snowfall in areas and at altitudes where it does not usually occur;
• Slippery and possibly obstructed road surfaces due to the possible formation of water sheets or the accumulation of ice and/or snow;
• Drainage difficulties in urban systems, especially those observed during high tide periods, which may cause flooding in historically more vulnerable locations;
• Flooding in urban areas, resulting from the accumulation of rainwater due to insufficient or obstructed drainage systems;
• Flooding in waterways, exacerbated by the overflowing of riverbeds, streams and watercourses;
• Slope instability, leading to mass movements (landslides, mudslides, among others), caused by water infiltration into the soil, which can be aggravated by the removal of vegetation cover after rural fires or by soil artificialization;
• Thermal discomfort in the population due to increased wind intensity.

3.PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reminds that the possible impact of these effects can be minimized, mainly through the adoption of appropriate behaviours, so that, and in particular in historically more vulnerable areas, the adoption of the main preventive measures for these situations is recommended, namely:

• Ensure the unobstructed flow of rainwater drainage systems and the removal of inert materials and other objects that may be dragged away or create obstacles to the free flow of water;
• Ensure adequate securing of loose structures, in particular, scaffolding, billboards and other suspended structures;
• Exercise extra caution when circulating and remaining near wooded areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees due to stronger winds;
• Avoid parking vehicles in wooded areas;
• Close and reinforce blinds and windows, especially those facing the wind;
• Bring in external structures to prevent them from being swept away;
• Secure objects outside and on balconies and parapets, such as flowerpots, garden furniture, or others;
• Exercise extra caution when circulating along the shoreline and riverbanks, historically more v – Avoid activities related to the sea, namely sport fishing, water sports and walks along the seashore, and avoid parking vehicles too close to the shoreline;
• Adopt defensive driving, reducing speed and paying special attention to the possible accumulation of snow and/or formation of water sheets on highways;
• Avoid driving on roads affected by snow accumulation and when this is not possible, adopt the following measures:
  • Check the condition of the tires and their respective pressures;
  • Transport and placement of snow chains on vehicles;
  • Ensure fuel levels that allow for alternative routes or for the vehicle to remain in operation for extended periods of time, in case of congestion on affected roads;
  • In electric vehicles, check the battery charge and analyze the existence of charging stations along your route;
  • Ensure that the vehicle’s heating systems are in good working order;
  • Provide adequate food in quantity and characteristics, as well as medications, according to the number and type of vehicle occupants.
• On roads affected by snow accumulation, avoid traveling with children, the elderly, or people with special needs;
• Avoid driving heavy vehicles on those roads, especially articulated vehicles, vehicles with trailers, and rear-wheel drive vehicles;
• Restrict the movement of vehicles and pedestrians as much as possible in areas potentially affected by snowfall;
• Avoid any type of activity near water lines, especially in areas with a history of flooding;
• Do not cross flooded areas to prevent people or vehicles from being swept into holes in the pavement or open drains;
• Remove animals, equipment, vehicles, and/or other belongings from normally flooded areas to safe locations;
• Pay attention to weather information and the instructions of Civil Defense and Security Forces.

ANEPC | Communication and Awareness Division