Notice No. 3/DCS/2026

Date: January 30, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM

Notice to the Public

Precipitation, Strong Wind, Snow and Rough Seas – Preventive Measures

National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority

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 swells and snowfall, highlighting:

• Periods of rain, sometimes heavy, occasionally with hail and accompanied by thunderstorms, in the North and Central regions;
• Strong winds, with gusts of up to 80 km/h on the west coast and up to 100 km/h in the highlands;
• Strong sea swells on the west coast, with northwest waves of up to 8 meters, reaching a maximum height of 15 meters;
• Snowfall in the highlands of the North and Central regions.

Meteorological information at www.ipma.pt

Hydrological Information

According to information from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the following stand out:

• January 30 and 31 / February 1 and 2: River basins of the Minho River, Coura sub-basin; Cuiabá River; Ave River; Souza River; Mondego River; Vouga River; Águeda River, Lima River, Vez sub-basin; Douro River, Tâmega River; Zêzere River; Tietê River; Nabão River; Sorraia; Sado – higher than usual flows, possibility of urban flooding;
• January 30 and 31 / February 1 and 2: Possibility of urban flooding in areas where precipitation will be more intense.

Hydrological information at https://apambiente.pt

2.EXPECTED EFFECTS

This weather pattern is expected to be more severe from the afternoon of Sunday, February 1st, with the following expected:

• Flooding in urban areas, caused by the accumulation of rainwater due to obstruction of drainage systems or coastal flooding;
• Flooding, exacerbated by the overflowing of the beds of some watercourses, rivers and streams;
• Slope instability, leading to mass movements (landslides, mudslides, and others) caused by water infiltration, a phenomenon that can be exacerbated by the removal of vegetation cover following rural fires, or by soil artificialization;

• Slippery road surfaces due to the possible formation of water sheets or the accumulation of ice and/or snow;
• Possible accidents on the coastline due to strong sea agitation;
• Loose objects being dragged onto roads, or mobile or poorly secured structures becoming detached, due to strong wind episodes, which can cause accidents involving vehicles or pedestrians on public roads;
• Thermal discomfort for the population due to increased wind intensity.

3.PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reminds that the potential impact of these effects can be minimized, mainly through the adoption of appropriate behaviours, so that, and particularly 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 debris and other objects that may be swept away or create obstacles to the free flow of water;
• Ensure adequate securing of loose structures, especially scaffolding, billboards and other suspended structures;
• Take special care 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;
• Take down 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 special care when circulating along the shoreline and riverbanks, which are historically more vulnerable to coastal flooding, avoiding circulation and remaining in these locations.
• Do not engage in 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 tyres and their respective pressures;
• Transport and placement of snow chains on vehicles;
• Ensure fuel supply at levels that allow for alternative routes or the vehicle to remain in operation for long periods of time, in case of congestion on affected roads;
• In electric vehicles, the battery charge should be checked and the existence of charging stations along the route should be analyzed;
• 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.

Also follow the recommendations of the General Directorate.