Portugal cancels 200-plus flights, shuts schools as Storm Charles hits

Storm Charles brought heavy rain and gale-force winds to Portugal on Wednesday, prompting airlines to cancel more than 200 flights and authorities to close schools, public services and businesses. The government took precautionary steps after criticism of its response to earlier storms, while emergency services warned of flooding, strong winds and rough seas.

Portugal’s weather service said the storm weakened after splitting over the Atlantic, but it was expected to affect southern Portugal and Lisbon through the afternoon. Authorities had recorded 538 incidents since midnight; Madeira reported flooding and fallen trees, but no deaths. In neighbouring Spain, more than 3,000 people remained evacuated over the risk of a dam overflowing, as forecasters warned Charles could worsen flooding after days of rain from Storm Bruna.