Web Summit Lisbon Cancels Second Day as Storm Charles Triggers Emergency

OPA WIRE, Nov 10 (OPA) — Organizers of the Web Summit technology conference cancelled Wednesday's events after receiving formal advice from the Portuguese government. The decision follows discussions involving national authorities, including the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority and the Public Security Police, as severe weather threatens the capital.

"The Government of Portugal has formally advised Web Summit that, due to the risks posed by Storm Charles, including tidal flooding, severe disruption to public transport and the impact of high winds on external structures, Day 2 of Web Summit should not take place," organizers wrote in an email to attendees. Officials stressed that safety remains the absolute priority for participants, staff, and contractors.

The severe weather response includes the closure of schools and non-essential public services across the country. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas had earlier suggested calling off the conference, while access to coastline and flood-prone riverside areas has been strictly prohibited by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Despite the cancellation of Wednesday's schedule at the FIL venue in Parque das Nações, organizers intend to resume operations on Thursday. The major technology conference anticipated drawing nearly 70,000 attendees, alongside 900 speakers and more than two thousand startups.