Storm Charles impacts Portugal causing widespread closures and flight cancellations

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Storm Charles reached mainland Portugal, leading the government to issue red weather warnings across eight regions. Interior Minister Luis Neves urged citizens to remain indoors and utilize remote work, while schools and non-essential public services were closed as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. The storm was forecasted to bring winds reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.

Transportation networks faced significant disruptions, with the airport operator ANA reporting 360 flight cancellations by 11:00 AM. The majority of these occurred at Lisbon Airport, which recorded 310 cancellations, followed by Madeira, Faro, and Porto. Civil Protection authorities reported 538 weather-related incidents between midnight and midday, prompting authorities to maintain emergency services at a high state of readiness. While the mainland experienced the peak of the storm on Wednesday, the Madeira archipelago had already begun feeling the effects late on the previous day.

Authorities have kept emergency responders and security forces on high alert to address ongoing risks. The situation remains fluid, with citizens advised to follow updates from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere regarding the storm's progression and potential risks to infrastructure.