Portugal storm Charles road closures and GNR traffic restrictions, Digi Mart USA News: The Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) has disclosed which road traffic restrictions are currently in effect following the adverse weather associated with the passage of the Charles depression on Wednesday afternoon.
The GNR said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with other competent authorities, with the safety of everyone as its main priority. The force says it has reinforced patrols and road surveillance, focusing on the areas most vulnerable to the effects of the bad weather.
Officers are working to identify risk situations, mark obstacles, manage road traffic restrictions and support residents, in close coordination with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), municipalities and other agencies involved in protection and rescue operations. Given the forecast of worsening conditions, the GNR is urging the public to follow the instructions of the authorities and avoid risky behavior.
According to the state-owned road operator Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), the number of roads with restricted traffic due to the bad weather rose to eight by 2:00 p.m. local time.
The restrictions include the North-South Axis at the Avenida de Ceuta access in Lisboa. The eight affected roads are located in the districts of Lisboa, Setúbal, Portalegre and Guarda, IP said.
IP stated that the adverse weather is causing traffic restrictions on several sections of the national road network, with incidents requiring on-the-ground interventions to ensure safety and restore normal circulation.
Mainland Portugal is under a weather alert until 11:59 p.m. due to the Charles depression.
The system caused about 200 incidents in Madeira overnight, mainly flooding, fallen trees and landslides. The government has ordered schools and non-essential public services closed in all districts and recommended that people limit travel and work remotely where possible.
More than 300 flights were cancelled at Lisboa, Faro, Madeira and Porto airports by 11:00 a.m. local time.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), which issued several red warnings for rain and wind, said the depression has changed its characteristics and that wind intensity and gusts have decreased as it moves onto the mainland, although heavy precipitation is still forecast.
Overnight, Greater Lisboa and the Setúbal Peninsula were the most affected areas, mainly by flooding. The district of Faro is the only one still under red warnings for both rain and wind.
