Storm Charles brings severe weather warnings to Madeira and mainland Portugal

The Portuguese government has urged residents to take maximum caution as severe weather approaches the Atlantic archipelago of Madeira and mainland Portugal. Euronews reported that parts of Madeira are under a red alert for heavy rain, thunder, six-metre waves, and wind gusts of up to 130 km/h starting late on Tuesday. The Madeira Island News Blog also reported wind gusts of up to 130 km/h reaching the island. [1][3]

Euronews.com and Yahoo News Australia both reported that Storm Charles is set to hit Portugal and Spain with torrential rain and winds reaching 120 km/h. Euronews added that a second storm, named Bruna, is also expected to affect the weather. The London Daily News reported that orange warnings were issued for Portugal following flooding in Madeira. [1][2][4][5]

Portuguese officials warned on social media of potential flooding, falling trees, and power cuts. Euronews reported that the government urged people to stay indoors during peak periods of rain and wind and to travel only if necessary. [1]

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 805 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal. European windstorms fall under a coordinated continental weather naming system that operates from September through August each year. [7][8]