This winter is proving to be ‘heavier’ than usual, with Portugal being affected by consecutive storms. After Kristin and Leonardo, the country is preparing for the arrival of the Marta depression from the beginning of this weekend, with forecasts not only of heavy rainfall but also severe wind gusts.
According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), cited by Diário de Notícias, forecasts indicate that the southern region will begin to feel the effects of the Marta depression, particularly on the coast, on Saturday morning.
In this scenario, “persistent and sometimes heavy rainfall is expected, with wind gusts of around 100 km/h and 120 km/h in the mountains ,” according to the IPMA.
The regions likely to be most affected by the rainfall are south of the Tagus River, including Greater Lisbon, with the Alentejo and Algarve mountains being the most likely areas . Thus , the Marta depression could contribute negatively to the rise in river and stream flows in these geographical areas.
Marta’s movement towards the center
From Saturday afternoon, as Marta moves eastward, bad weather is expected to hit the central coastal area in particular , with strong wind gusts reaching up to 90 km/h, not to mention the possibility of sometimes heavy rainfall. In places above 900 meters, precipitation may occur in the form of snow.
Extension of the state of emergency
The adverse effects of previous storms and the forecast of the arrival of another phenomenon led the Portuguese government to declare a state of calamity until February 15, covering 68 municipalities.
In addition, it is worth remembering that a package of support measures for the affected areas worth up to €2.5 billion has been approved .
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