Portugal closes all schools and non-essential services due to a major Atlantic storm

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Portugal Shuts Schools and Services as Storm Charles Strikes

   Portugal has closed all schools and non-essential services while issuing a state of alert as Storm Charles batters the region with torrential rain, tidal flood risks, and winds reaching 120 km/h. The severe weather has disrupted air travel, with more than 300 flights canceled. Madeira has also been placed under red warnings. The severe Atlantic storm has forced the cancellation of events, including the second day of the Web Summit. Meanwhile, the storm system has begun to move into south-east France, where up to 150mm of rain is expected to fall.

   Why it matters

   Storm Charles represents a severe meteorological event hitting the Iberian Peninsula, triggering widespread closures across Portugal. The abrupt shutdown affects major international gatherings like the Web Summit, stranding attendees who held expensive tickets. Such comprehensive shutdowns underscore the severity of the Atlantic storm system, which has also brought hazardous conditions to Madeira and is extending its reach into parts of Europe.

   What is confirmed

   • Portugal has closed all schools and non-essential services due to Storm Charles.
   • More than 300 flights have been canceled in Portugal as a result of the storm.
   • Storm Charles brings torrential rain and 120 km/h winds to Portugal and Spain.
   • The Web Summit canceled its second day because of the storm and risks of tidal flood.
   • Storm Charles has brought red warnings to Madeira.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Portugal is on alert for rare sting jet winds above 160 km/h.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on flight resumption and airport operations across Portugal
   • Assessment of structural and tidal flood damage following the peak of Storm Charles
   • Further meteorological reports on the storm path as it moves into south-east France
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. Euronews.com — Portugal on alert as storm Charles brings red warnings to Madeira
   2. Euronews.com — Storm Charles to hit Portugal and Spain with torrential rain and 120 km/h winds
   3. Business Insider — Web Summit cancels day 2 due to Storm Charles and risks of tidal flood
   4. The Irish Times — Web Summit cancels events as Portugal issues ‘state of alert’ amid storm warnings
   5. The Independent — Flights cancelled as Storm Charles brings disruption to Portugal
   6. AP News — Portugal closes all schools and non-essential services due to a major Atlantic storm
   7. The Irish Times — Web Summit a washout as attendees count the cost of unused €1,595 tickets
   8. Al Jazeera — Portugal cancels more than 300 flights, shuts schools due to Storm Charles
   9. Euronews — Portugal on alert for rare "sting jet" winds above 160 km/h
   10. The New York Times — Storm Charles Pummels Portugal and Disrupts Flights
   11. The Connexion — Storm Charles arrives in south-east France, up to 150mm of rain to fall
   12. jen.jiji.com — Over 3,000 oncologists at the Aiom congress in Rome, "Innovation must be equitable for all patients"
   confidence 100%