Heavy rain, 110 km/h gusts and 4-metre waves forecast for Madeira this weekend

Madeira's Regional Civil Protection Service warned on Thursday of rain, strong wind and rough seas in the coming days, based on forecasts from the weather institute IPMA. A frontal system linked to a complex low centred near the Azores is the cause. IPMA updated and extended its warnings for Madeira the same day, according to DN Madeira.

Showers, at times heavy and with thunder, start on Thursday on the south coast and in the mountains. On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November the rain may be heavy and persistent, possibly with thunder. Heavy showers with thunder may continue until Monday 9 November.

From Saturday the wind picks up from the south and southwest, with gusts of up to 90 km/h on the north and south coasts and on Porto Santo, and up to 110 km/h in the highlands. It should ease from Sunday afternoon, but gusts of up to 70 km/h are still possible in the highlands on Monday.

Southwest waves on the south coast may reach 4 metres on Sunday and Monday. On the north coast, northwest waves of 1 to 2 metres are expected, growing from Sunday to 3 to 4 metres.

Civil Protection warns of falling trees and branches, flooding in towns, blocked drains, collapsing walls and slopes, and waves breaking over the seafront. It asks people to avoid unnecessary journeys, especially to exposed areas, to drive slowly because of standing water on the roads, to clear drains and secure loose structures, and to take extra care on the coast, in wooded areas and in the mountains. Closed and signposted areas must be respected. Funchal Notícias adds that the service advises against walking past derelict buildings, which may collapse.

Last Sunday this site reported an orange rain warning for Madeira's south coast and mountains.

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