Portugal cancels more than 300 flights, shuts schools due to Storm Charles

Portugal cancelled more than 300 flights and closed schools, businesses and non-essential public services as Storm Charles approached, after forecasts raised fears of dangerous conditions. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds but passed across mainland Portugal without severe damage.

Around 8,000 schools cancelled classes, and operations stopped at four international airports; a Lisbon technology conference attended by about 70,000 people also called off the day’s events. Wind gusts exceeded 120km/h in some areas, and some Lisbon streets flooded. By mid-afternoon, only the Algarve remained under the highest alert. The government’s extensive response followed criticism of its handling of earlier storms that caused widespread damage and a death.