Storm Elsa batters Portugal as authorities report widespread damage

Storm Elsa batters Portugal as authorities report widespread damage

Flash flooding and high winds have already caused widespread damage across Portugal particularly in the North and Centre, with the National Authority for Civil Protection (ANEPC) recording 1,800 occurrences at 1pm today (December 19).

Districts most affected by the heavy rainfall and strong winds are Aveiro, Viseu, Braga, Porto and Viana do Castelo.

In the Algarve, after a night of constant rain and strong wind, various incidents of flooding (mainly on public roads), collapsed structures and fallen trees were recorded by the authorities (55 incidents in total between 12am and 11am). Areas most affected include the Silves, Lagoa and Portimão municipalities, with some inland villages like São Bartolomeu de Messines reporting serious flooding situations, with some streets submerged.

Pedro Nunes from the Civil Protection warned that the Lisbon area was particularly hit by the storm and that it would be heading south.

According to IPMA weather forecast, weather improvements are only expected from Sunday.

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