Portugal Closes Schools as Storm Charles Weakens

Portugal closed schools nationwide and suspended nonessential public services on Wednesday, November 11, as Storm Charles reached the mainland after weakening, disrupting air travel and prompting warnings about flooding and strong winds. More than 200 flights in and out of the country were cancelled, while authorities kept emergency services on alert.

The government had ordered the closures and advised people to stay indoors ahead of the storm. The measures affected roughly 8,000 schools, with classes cancelled nationwide. Public transport and other services were also disrupted, including coach operations, rail and river links, and shipping restrictions at ports. Civil servants were ordered to work remotely.

Flight cancellation tallies varied according to the reports’ scope and timing. Lusa reported at least 222 cancellations at Lisbon and Faro airports combined, plus 16 at Madeira Airport, for a minimum of 238 across those locations. Other reports put the total above 200 or above 300, without establishing a final, consistently defined count.

Portugal’s weather service, IPMA, said Storm Charles split into two centres over the Atlantic, reducing its strength as it approached the...