Travellers heading to Portugal, Spain and Madeira should prepare for severe weather as Storm Charles approaches, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas, according to Euronews.
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Portugal and Spain are bracing for another spell of unsettled weather as Storm Charles moves towards the Iberian Peninsula, with wind gusts expected to exceed 120km/h in some areas.
The storm is forecast to affect Madeira from Tuesday, 10 November, before worsening conditions across mainland Portugal and Spain on Wednesday, 11 November. Weather warnings have been issued, with the possibility of further alerts as the system develops.
According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Madeira could experience persistent, heavy rainfall, with some mountainous areas receiving more than 100mm within 12 hours. Wind gusts could reach 130km/h over higher ground, while waves along the island’s southern coast are expected to reach between 3.5m and 4.5m.
On mainland Portugal, conditions are expected to deteriorate from Wednesday morning. Wind gusts of between 100km/h and 120km/h are forecast, potentially exceeding these speeds in exposed areas. Heavy rainfall is also expected across much of the country, while coastal areas south of Cabo Carvoeiro could experience waves reaching between 4m and 6m.
Spain is also expected to experience its most severe conditions on Wednesday, with unsettled weather likely to continue into Thursday, although at a lower intensity.
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Madeira still recovering from previous storm
The arrival of Charles comes as Madeira continues to deal with the aftermath of Storm Bruna, which brought flooding and widespread disruption over the weekend.
The storm left ten people homeless, while one person remained missing at the time of reporting. Dozens of flights at Funchal Airport were also cancelled because of adverse weather conditions.
Charles is the third named storm of the 2026/27 storm season, following Adam and Bruna. The Azores are not expected to be directly affected by its passage.
What travellers should know
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise caution as conditions worsen, particularly along coastal areas and in mountainous regions.
Travellers are advised to avoid exposed shorelines, promenades and other areas where rough seas could pose a danger. Flooded roads should never be crossed on foot or by vehicle, while extra care is recommended when travelling through forests and wooded areas where strong winds could bring down branches and trees.
Those staying in coastal accommodation or travelling through affected regions should secure loose outdoor furniture and belongings, close shutters and windows, and follow local weather updates and official travel advisories.
Visitors with upcoming flights to or from Madeira should also check directly with their airlines for schedule changes, particularly while adverse weather conditions continue to affect Funchal Airport.
With conditions expected to deteriorate across parts of the Iberian Peninsula, travellers should allow for possible transport disruptions and reconsider outdoor activities in areas affected by severe weather.
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