Current Status of Storm Activity (Depression Oriana), Government Response, and Safety Advisory
Mainland Portugal continues to experience severe weather conditions due to a “train of storms” that has affected the region since late January. As of today, February 13, the Government has extended the State of Calamity for 68 districts until the 15th of February. While the worst of the previous storms has passed, a new depression, Oriana, is currently influencing weather patterns across the country.
Current Meteorological Situation: Depression Oriana
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reports that Depression Oriana will not directly hit mainland Portugal, as its centre remains north of the Iberian Peninsula. However, its associated frontal system is crossing the country today, bringing:
- Precipitation: Periods of rain, occasionally heavy, affecting the territory from late Thursday (Feb 12) through Friday morning (Feb 13).
- Strong Winds: Gusts are expected to reach up to 80 km/h in many regions.
- Algarve Specifics: The district of Faro, along with Beja and others, is currently under a Yellow Wind Warning. Additionally, coastal areas in the Algarve and Lisbon are facing significant agitation, with Orange Warnings in place for high waves.
Impact of Recent Storms (Kristin, Leonardo, and Nils) The country is still recovering from the succession of Atlantic depressions—Kristin, Leonardo, Nils, and now Oriana—which have caused widespread disruption.
- Casualties: Tragically, the death toll has risen to 16 people nationwide following the passage of these storms. The most recent fatality involved a 72-year-old man in the Pombal district.
- Infrastructure Damage:
- Roads: A section of the main A1 highway collapsed near Coimbra after a levee on the River Mondego burst, forcing the evacuation of 3,000 residents in the area. In the Algarve, the A22 motorway is reported to have developed cracks and potholes due to soil saturation.
- Aviation: Storm Nils (Feb 11–13) caused significant disruption, with over 2,300 flights cancelled across Europe. Travellers should remain vigilant as Storm Oriana may cause further delays this weekend.
- Power: At the peak of the storms, nearly one million people were without electricity. While repairs are ongoing, the grid remains vulnerable.
Government and Political Response
- State of Calamity: The government officially extended the State of Calamity until February 15th to manage the ongoing risks.
- Financial Aid: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has announced a support package of up to €2.5 billion to assist with recovery and reconstruction efforts.
- Political Changes: The Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral, resigned earlier this week following criticism regarding the state’s initial response to the emergency.
Safety Recommendations for the Weekend
With the ground heavily saturated and wind warnings active for the Algarve, residents are advised to:
- Monitor Updates: Stay tuned to IPMA for real-time changes to Yellow and Orange warnings.
- Exercise Caution on Roads: Be particularly careful on the A22 and other local roads where surface damage may be present.
- Avoid Coastal Areas: Due to rough seas and the active Orange Coastal Event warning, avoid beaches and cliffs.
- Prepare for Disruption: Travellers should check flight statuses frequently, as the tail end of these weather systems continues to affect aviation.
While the forecast suggests a potential improvement in weather conditions for the second half of February, the current situation remains volatile. We urge all community members to prioritise safety and look out for vulnerable neighbours during this period.
