Storm Charles Batters Portugal With Torrential Rain and High Waves

OPA WIRE, Nov 11 (OPA) — Powerful Atlantic waves crashed against the shoreline at Costa da Caparica, south of Lisbon, as Storm Charles swept across the country on Wednesday, November 11. The coastal resort experienced waterlogged streets, overturned electric scooters, and deserted seafront terraces, alongside closed piers and waterfront businesses.

Portugal’s national weather agency responded by issuing red warnings for persistent heavy rain and gale-force winds across multiple regions. Meteorologists forecasted wave heights reaching up to seven meters along the Lisbon and Setúbal coastlines, with maximum heights potentially surging to 13 meters.

Civil protection authorities urged residents and tourists to stay away from beaches, promenades, and exposed coastal zones. The extreme marine conditions heightened the risk of severe coastal flooding, structural damage to waterfront infrastructure, and hazardous transit disruptions.

Emergency services remained on high alert as the severe weather system continued to track across the Iberian Peninsula. Municipal crews deployed pumps and cleared blocked drains in affected areas while monitoring water levels through the duration of the red warnings.