Portugal has declared a nationwide state of alert for Wednesday, 11 November, as Storm Charles approaches the mainland with forecasts of destructive winds, heavy rain and dangerous seas, closing schools and non-essential public services for the day.

The government announced the alert on Tuesday, 10 November, after the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) raised wind warnings to red, its highest level, in eight mainland districts. The alert runs from 00:00 to 23:59 on Wednesday and was published in Portugal’s official gazette.

Red warnings in eight districts

IPMA has placed Lisbon, Leiria, Setúbal, Santarém, Beja, Évora, Portalegre and Faro under red warnings for wind on Wednesday, with gusts of 100 to 120 km/h expected and up to 140 km/h in the most exposed coastal and upland areas. The remaining mainland districts are under orange warnings.

Orange warnings for heavy, persistent rain apply across all mainland districts from 05:00 to 18:00 on Wednesday. IPMA has also warned of rough seas, with south-westerly waves of five to six metres along parts of the coast.

Charles is the third named storm of the 2026/27 season, following Adam and Bruna. Bruna is still sitting to the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula until Friday, 13 November, so rough seas and showers are continuing in the meantime. Madeira is also under red warnings, with more than 100 mm of rain forecast in 12 hours in some mountain areas.

Schools and public services to close

Under the state of alert, educational establishments, including nurseries and pre-schools, and non-essential public services will be closed on Wednesday. The government said the measure would allow resources to be mobilised and preventive action to be taken.

Portugal’s National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has raised its readiness level to the highest operational stage, Level 4, warning of likely disruption to electricity and telecommunications networks. Civil protection has urged people to avoid coastlines and to follow official advice.

Euronews reported that forecasters were also watching for a rare and destructive “sting jet” — a narrow band of very strong winds — which could bring gusts above 160 km/h, mainly in the Greater Lisbon area. The US Embassy in Portugal has issued a travel alert advising American citizens and other visitors to prepare for hazardous weather.

When will the storm arrive?

IPMA says the storm should reach the mainland from late morning on Wednesday, 11 November, with the most severe conditions expected during the afternoon and evening. In Spain, the weather agency Aemet has identified Wednesday as the most severe period, with unsettled conditions continuing into Thursday.

Authorities have stressed that forecasts can change quickly and that warnings may be upgraded or extended. People in Portugal are advised to check IPMA’s warnings page and follow civil protection guidance before travelling.