In a note published on its official page, the municipality clarifies that circulation was interrupted “as a precaution and to safeguard the safety of people and goods” in the face of worsening weather conditions.

Circulation in that area of the Douro bar has been interrupted since 8pm on Wednesday and is expected to continue at least until Saturday, the day on which the situation will be re-evaluated.

Municipal Civil Protection therefore recommends that the population respect the security perimeters established along the coastline and access to jetties and beaches, namely on Avenidas D. Carlos I, Brasil and Montevideo.

Municipal services urge the population to be especially careful when traveling near the coastline and riverside areas, and not to practice activities related to the sea, such as sport fishing, water sports or walks along the seaside.

Avoiding parking vehicles close to the coast and in areas more vulnerable to coastal overtopping is another recommendation, as well as paying special attention to the warnings issued by the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

According to IPMA, the districts of Aveiro, Braga, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto and Viana do Castelo are under a yellow warning until 6pm today, turning to orange until 6pm on Friday and then to red (the most severe on a scale of three) between 6pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday.