Storm Charles has reached the mainland, and the Porto district is under an orange warning for heavy and persistent rain between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The worst conditions are expected further south: the low-pressure system veered slightly off course and split into two centers that are less intense than predicted, explained the IPMA, as cited by Executive Digest.
Even so, the country remains on alert until 11:59 p.m., and the government is asking anyone who can to stay home and stay away from the coast. If you really have to go out, here’s what’s closed and what’s still open in Porto.
What’s Closed
• Schools: all of them, from daycare centers to universities, both public and private.
• Non-essential public services: closed, including non-essential municipal services.
• Municipal parks and cemeteries: closed for the duration of the alert.
• Bolhão Market: closed.
• Municipal facilities: swimming pools, sports centers, the Ramalde Sports Park, the Porto Municipal Theater (Rivoli and Campo Alegre), the Batalha Cinema Center, and municipal museums and libraries are closed.
• Other cultural venues: the Portuguese Center for Photography and Culturgest are closed. In Serralves, the park is closed, but the museum remains open.
• Pingo Doce: All mainland stores are closed today.
• Ferries between Porto and Gaia: regular crossings are suspended for the entire day.
• Rede Expressos: Bus service suspended nationwide between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., with automatic refunds.
• Outdoor events: suspended nationwide.
What remains open
Transportation
• Porto Metro: operating throughout the network, but trains may run more slowly, operate at irregular intervals, or make occasional stops on certain sections. At above-ground stations, exercise extra caution at entrances and on platforms.
• STCP: is maintaining its regular service and is monitoring the situation.
• CP: operating, but with possible disruptions and speed limits in high-risk areas. On some long-distance and regional trains, ticket holders can request a refund or a free exchange.
• Airport: operating with 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 any closures among other chains.
• Shopping centers: They should remain open, but each one can decide for itself and may close outdoor areas, the industry association explained.
• Health, emergency, and civil protection services: operating, as are essential municipal services for the protection of people and property.
The situation may change throughout the day, so follow the official channels for each service and the IPMA’s updates. In case of an emergency, call 112.
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and now on WhatsApp too!
