Madeira experiences extreme weather from Depression Charles

The Madeira archipelago is facing severe weather conditions caused by Depression Charles, with rainfall levels exceeding red alert thresholds at seven meteorological stations. At Chão do Areeiro, precipitation reached 230.5 liters per square meter in just six hours, nearly four times the red alert limit. Other areas, including Santo da Serra, Pico do Areeiro, and São Vicente, also recorded significant accumulations.

High winds have been reported across the island, with gusts reaching 128 km/h at Chão do Areeiro and 126 km/h in Caniçal. The Regional Government of Madeira has closed schools and non-essential services, and has also suspended access to museums, gardens, and hiking trails.

Operational responses have been mobilized to manage various incidents, including flooding, landslides, and fallen trees. In Santa Cruz, 15 occurrences were recorded, including road closures and fallen trees on power lines. In Machico, flooding and landslides have been reported. Despite these incidents, Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque stated that occurrences have not been significant and no victims have been reported thus far.