Storm Charles has reached the mainland, and Lisbon is under a red alert for heavy and persistent rain between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., according to the IPMA. There’s some good news: the low-pressure system has veered slightly south and split into two centers that are less intense than expected, so the wind warning in Lisbon was downgraded this morning from red to orange, with gusts of up to 120 km/h until 9:00 p.m.
Until 11:59 p.m., the country remains on alert, and the government is asking anyone who can to stay home. If you really have to go out, here’s what’s closed and what’s still open in the city.
What’s closed
• Schools: all of them, from daycare centers to universities, both public and private.
• Non-essential public services: closed all day.
• Municipal parks and gardens: closed. The city government also asks that you avoid Monsanto due to the risk of falling trees.
• Municipal monuments and museums: closed, including São Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Roman Theater, and the Fado Museum.
• Highway tunnels: City Hall announced the closure of all tunnels in the city starting at midnight.
• Pingo Doce: All stores on the mainland are closed today.
• Outdoor events: suspended nationwide.
• Web Summit: the second day, scheduled for today, has been canceled.
• Rede Expressos: Bus service suspended nationwide between 10 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with automatic refunds.
• Trafaria–Porto Brandão–Algés ferry: service suspended because the Algés waterfront is closed.
What remains open
Transportation and bridges
• Lisbon Metro: operating as usual. At night, the Santa Apolónia, Marquês de Pombal, Moscavide, Amadora Este, and Olaias stations will remain open to shelter homeless people.
• Trams: operating, but there may be delays and detours, especially on the tram lines.
• CP and Fertagus: operating, but with possible disruptions. On some long-distance and regional trains, ticket holders can request a refund or a free exchange.
• Ferries to the South Bank: Transtejo has guaranteed service throughout the morning but says it may suspend it if the weather worsens.
• 25 de Abril and Vasco da Gama Bridges: open, though the speed limit may be reduced to 60 km/h. Motorcycles and vehicles with open tops should avoid them, and the bridges may close temporarily if gusts reach 150 km/h.
• Airport: operating with restrictions and possible cancellations. Check your flight status with the airline before leaving home.
Shopping and services
• Supermarkets: Continente and Bom Dia are open, and the industry association, APED, does not anticipate closures at stores in other chains.
• Shopping centers: They are expected to remain open, but each one can decide for itself and may close outdoor areas, the industry association explained.
• Health, emergency services, and public safety: operating normally.
• Support for the homeless: The city has seven shelters open 24 hours a day.
The situation may change throughout the day, so stay tuned to the official channels of each service and the IPMA’s updates. In case of an emergency, call 112.
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