The Algarve Regional Operational Coordination Centre of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned in a statement that over the next 48 hours there could be “60 to 90 millimetres of rainfall in 24 hours”, rain that will be accompanied by “winds of up to 30 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour in the highlands”.

The Civil Protection alert, which is based on forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), also indicates the occurrence of thunderstorms and the possibility of extreme wind phenomena, and travel should be restricted to the “essential minimum”.

“According to the information provided by the APA [Portuguese Environment Agency], significant variations in hydrometric levels may occur in the historically most vulnerable areas today [Thursday] and tomorrow [Friday]”, the statement reads.

The heavy rains may affect the rivers in the district of Faro and cause “an increase in the flow of tributaries to Albufeira, Faro and Tavira”, in the east, and Aljezur, in the west,

The worsening of the weather conditions in the Algarve forecast for the next 48 hours will cause “flooding in urban areas” due to the accumulation of rainwater and obstruction of drainage systems and “flooding, increased by the overflow of the bed of some watercourses”, such as rivers and streams.

The dragging of loose objects onto the roads and the detachment of mobile or poorly secured structures, “due to episodes of strong winds”, are also situations for which the population should be alert, he added.

Flash floods

“The morphology of the soil and the hydrography of the Algarve provide for flash floods and flooding, whenever there is very intense and prolonged rain. The existence of an extensive coastline, which is already weakened by the acceleration of the erosion process, requires special care in the face of the destructive effects of flooding and coastal overtopping phenomena”, he warned.

Civil Protection has asked the population to adopt appropriate behaviours in response to the worsening weather conditions, such as “clearing rainwater drainage systems”, removing objects that could be swept away or obstruct drainage, or securing loose structures (scaffolding, placards and other suspended elements).

“Take special care when driving and staying near wooded areas, and be aware of the possibility of branches and trees falling due to stronger winds”, is another piece of advice from Civil Protection, which asks drivers to “drive defensively, reducing speed and taking special care”.

Flooded areas should also not be crossed to avoid people or vehicles being swept away, Civil Protection also stated, asking the population to “pay extra attention to weather information and the instructions from Civil Protection and Security Forces”.