Portugal Declares Nationwide Alert for Depression Charles, Closing Schools on 11 November
Portugal's government issued a government order declaring a state of alert across mainland Portugal from 00:00 to 23:59 on 11 November 2026 as depression Charles approached, closing schools and non-essential public services and suspending outdoor activities, while Interior Minister Luis Neves urged people to stay at home where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.
The order, dispatch No. 13773-A/2026, was published in the official gazette, Diario da Republica. Under the measures announced by the government, teaching establishments in the public, private and social sectors are closed for the day, including nurseries and pre-schools, non-essential public services are closed, and outdoor events are suspended.
The order also restricts movement and presence in wooded areas, along the coastline, beside waterways and in flood-prone areas, and sets out safety measures for structures that could be dislodged by strong winds. The government described the alert as a preventive step intended to reduce movement during the hours of strongest wind and lower the risks from flooding, falling trees and damaged infrastructure.
Readiness has been raised for firefighters, security forces, medical emergency services, public health and social support teams, forest sappers, and teams in the energy and communications sectors. Portugal's meteorological institute had issued warnings for strong winds and heavy rain in several districts, and the government advised the public to follow official updates.
The government said the state of alert covers only 11 November. When schools and public services return to normal will depend on the weather and on how incidents are handled, and the public can check government and civil protection channels for further announcements.
(Source: Government of Portugal)
Source: Government of Portugal
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：里斯本商业广场（Praça do Comércio）旁的奥古斯塔街凯旋门。照片：Diego Delso，CC BY-SA 3.0，经维基共享资源。 / Photo: The Rua Augusta Arch at Praça do Comércio in Lisbon. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
