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Depression Charles Triggers Orange Alerts
The IPMA placed regions under an orange wind warning starting at noon on Wednesday, anticipating heavy rain and southwest gusts ranging from 100 to 120 kilometers per hour, with locally higher speeds. The Municipal Civil Protection of Lisbon warned residents about potential persistent heavy rainfall, local floods, and disruptions to urban traffic. The storm is expected to carry a stronger impact than the recent Depression Bruna, prompting warnings across Tomar and the Médio Tejo region.
Did You Know? The destructive storm Kristin previously devastated Portugal and heavily impacted the Leiria area in January of this year, generating extreme wind gusts exceeding 160 kilometers per hour.
Climate Expert Warns of Rare Sting Jet
Climate change specialist and SIC Notícias commentator Duarte Costa warned in a social media video that a rare meteorological phenomenon known as a sting jet could strike the Lisbon Metropolitan Area on Wednesday between 15:00 and 21:00, potentially bringing localized wind gusts close to 150 kilometers per hour. Costa stated that the IPMA has been monitoring this specific scenario, although the institute has not publicly confirmed the formation of a sting jet. Costa compared the potential threat to the conditions seen during January’s storm Kristin.
Expert Insight: The primary concern centers on the timing of the severe weather coinciding with evening rush hour, which risks trapping thousands of commuters in public spaces and roadways if extreme gusts materialize.
Impact on Commuters and Preparedness
Civil protection authorities urge the population to secure exterior objects, clear drainage systems, and avoid flood-prone zones or maritime areas. Official forecasts carry high uncertainty regarding the exact trajectory and final intensity of the Charles Depression as it nears mainland Portugal.
Questions About the Charles Depression and Sting Jets
When will the Charles Depression reach Portugal?
The IPMA forecasts that the Charles Depression will approach mainland Portugal starting late Wednesday morning on November 11.
What wind speeds are officially predicted?
Official IPMA forecasts point to wind gusts ranging from 100 to 120 kilometers per hour, with higher speeds expected locally.
What is a sting jet?
A sting jet is an intense downdraft of mid-level air within specific extratropical storms that can produce exceptionally violent, localized wind gusts over a short duration.
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