Storm damage spreads in Spain and Portugal as more heavy rain and strong winds threaten

Heavy rain and strong winds expected as storm Charles makes a direct hit

According to a forecast from Weathernews, the second storm, Charles, is moving east across the Atlantic and is expected to intensify to a central pressure in the 980 hPa range before moving toward mainland Portugal.

Wednesday, the 11th, is expected to bring the worst of this spell of severe weather. Daily rainfall totals are forecast to exceed 100 mm in some areas of Portugal and western and southern Spain. In the Central System mountain range and elsewhere, total rainfall combined with earlier rain could exceed 300 mm, sharply raising the risk of landslides and sudden river flooding in areas affected by this summer’s wildfires, where the ground has lost its ability to retain water.

Winds are also expected to strengthen further, with maximum gusts around 30 m/s across a broad area, including the plains, and locally reaching 40 m/s. Very rough seas are forecast, with maximum wave heights of 13 m.

The Portuguese government has declared a state of emergency because of the risk of significant damage from the severe weather. Meteorological authorities have also issued warnings and other alerts, urging people to remain on the highest alert and to follow municipal evacuation orders and other instructions immediately.