Portugal Shuts All Schools and Non‑Essential Services as Storm Charles Brings Nationwide Alert
Portugal shuts all schools and non‑essential services as Storm Charles barrels toward the mainland, prompting a state of alert on Nov 11.
POLICY WIRE — Lisbon, Portugal — Portugal shut down every school and closed non‑essential public services as the Atlantic storm Charles intensified across the country on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves announced the closures after the alert level was raised, citing worsening weather conditions that threatened coastal areas and inland communities alike.
For the first time in living memory, about 8,000 schools nationwide have canceled classes, prompting parents and students to stay home and follow government instructions.
Officials urged citizens to remain indoors, as gale‑force winds and heavy rainfall could cause flooding and damage across the peninsula.
Business, tourism, and cultural events, including the Web Summit, were also suspended in response to the storm’s impact.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)